Campus update winter 2014

Calendar www.yvcc.edu/calendar

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Through April 19: Functional Art: The Wine Country Home

May 2-5: Latin Music Celebration

The Larson Gallery presents Functional Art: The Wine Country Home, a national juried exhibition that looks at how art is expressed in functional items such as clothing, jewelry, dishes, fixtures, and furniture. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org

Join the YVCC Salsa Band, in concert with guest artists, for the 8th Annual Latin Music Celebration. Activities and events will be held throughout the week at the YVCC Yakima Campus and The Seasons Performance Hall. For more information: 574.4835 or www.yvcc.edu/calendar

April 2: Home Baseball Games

May 6-31: DoVA

Come cheer for the men’s baseball team as they battle Wenatchee Valley College. The game begins at 1:00pm. For a complete list of upcoming athletic events visit www.goyaks.com

The Larson Gallery presents the annual exhibition by the Department of Visual Arts featuring the work of YVCC students and faculty. An opening reception will be held May 6 from 5:00-7:00pm. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org

April 4: Home Softball Game Come cheer for the women’s softball team as they battle Treasure Valley College. The game begins at 2:00pm. For a complete list of upcoming athletic events visit www.goyaks.com

April 14: Arts Awards Join the Larson Gallery as they celebrate the art and careers of Jackie and Rob Prout. The Prout’s will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award on Sunday, April 14 from 12:30 to 3:00pm. For ticket information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org

April 17: A Sea Change YVCC’s Biology Department, in partnership with the Yakima Environmental Learning Foundation, will host a viewing of the film A Sea Change. Can you imagine a world without fish? Join us in the Parker Room at 7:00pm to learn about the dramatic changes in ocean chemistry. Free and open to the public. For more information: 574.4838 or www.yvcc.edu/calendar

April 25-27: Spring Barrel Tasting Yakima Valley Vintners, YVCC’s teaching winery, located on the Grandview Campus will open its tasting room during the valley’s Spring Barrel event. Taste our student-produced award-winning wines. For more information: www.yakimavalleyvintners.com

May 17: Tour of Artists’ Homes & Studios The Larson Gallery presents the annual Tour of Artists’ Homes and Studios from 10:00am-4:00pm. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org

May 29-June 1: Anything Goes YVCC playmasters presents the musical Anything Goes. Performances will be held May 29-31 at 7:30pm and May 31-June 1 at 2:00pm in Kendall Hall Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the YVCC Bookstore or at the box office the evening of the performance.

For more information: 574.4837 or www.yvcc.edu/calendar

May 31: Grape to Glass Gala YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program will host the annual Grape to Glass Gala—A Winemakers’ Dinner & Silent Auction. Join us for an evening of fun, food and wine! All proceeds benefit student scholarships. For more information: 882.7007 or www.yakimavalleyvintners.com

June 12: Commencement YVCC celebrates our 85th Commencement Ceremony at 7:00pm on Parker Field. Join us to honor the class of 2014. Reception to follow.

For more information: www.yvcc.edu/commencement

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President’s Letter Campus News Student Honors Larson Gallery Student Activities Athletics Resources In the Classroom Special Funding Sharing Good News

On the Cover YVCC Student Estevan “Stevie” Escamilla is a member of YVCC’s Business Club, participates in various events and activities on the Yakima Campus, and works in the Arts & Sciences Division as a student employee. He is pursuing a degree in business.

Invest. Inspire. Ignite On May 2 YVCC will host a Workforce Education Expo to showcase educational opportunities in engineering, machining, and automotive technology. Participants will have the opportunity to do hands-on activities, and meet local industry professionals. The event encourages females in grades 9 through 12 to explore these career pathways. To register: www.yvcc.edu/WEDexpo

Produced by YVCC Community Relations Niki Hopkins & Stefanie Menard Published March 2014 If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact us: Yakima Valley Community College Office of Community Relations PO Box 22520 • Yakima, WA 98907-2520 email: communityrelations@yvcc.edu / 509.574.4646 Yakima Valley Community College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resource Services, YVCC, South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902; or call 509.574.4670.

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From the President

President Dr. Linda Kaminski Board of Trustees Paul McDonald Rosalinda Mendoza Robert Ozuna Lisa Parker Patricia Whitefoot, Chair VP of Administrative Services Teresa Holland VP of Instruction and Student Services TomĂĄs Ybarra Deans Arts & Sciences Kerrie Abb

With a welcome glimpse of spring weather, I am hopeful that the cold and snowy winter is finally behind us. Even with the inclement weather, YVCC staff and students have produced many outstanding activities and accomplishments during the past quarter.

As many of you have seen firsthand, despite the bitter cold and abundant snow, we have continued to witness substantial progress on our newest building, Palmer Martin Hall. It is so gratifying to see a project that has been delayed twice finally become a reality. Another important capital project which was completed recently is the Grandview infill project.

By enclosing what was once a courtyard, we have added much needed interior space for students to study, interact, and collaborate.

Also during winter quarter, we enjoyed many informative, entertaining, and educational activities on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses.

Among them was the Teach, Tour, & Taste Event at our teaching winery on the Grandview Campus. This successful event was the result of a collaborative project between our grape and wine students and our wine marketing students. On the Yakima Campus we hosted two events which engaged youth in fun, competitive activities that promoted careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM.) One was the second annual South Central Washington Science Olympiad that was enhanced by a generous grant from the Yakima Valley Community Foundation. The other was Engineering Day. Both were well attended and excellent ways to promote STEM careers with young students.

In this issue of Campus Update, you will read about these and other recent events at YVCC. We are always proud of our faculty, staff and students and amazed by their talents and accomplishments. We hope that you, too, will read this issue with much pride. We are especially grateful for you—our community supporters. Only through your continued support are we able to change the lives of our students and enable them to achieve their dreams.

Sincerely,

Workforce Education Paulette Lopez Student Services Leslie Blackaby Grandview Campus & Basic Skills Dr. Bryce Humpherys

Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President

Campus News Grandview Campus Renovation This fall Yakima Valley Community College completed a construction project on the Grandview Campus. A roof was added to the existing main building entryway, converting an outdoor courtyard into interior space for studying and informal gathering. Overall the project provided an additional 2,188 square feet and cost approximately $770,000.

“Over the past few years we have received consistent feedback from students that they would like more space to study. This project helps YVCC address that need,” stated YVCC Grandview Campus Dean Dr. Bryce Humpherys.

Newly remodeled space at YVCC’s Grandview Campus

Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management Yakima Valley Community College is excited to offer a new degree opportunity. Beginning in the fall of 2014, YVCC will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Business Management. This program is designed for prospective students who have earned an associate’s degree and need a pathway to pursue a bachelor’s degree. YVCC’s program combines lower-division technical and transfer courses with upper division credits in business management, resulting in an application-oriented, four-year degree.

Designed with academic rigor, the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree will enable graduates to apply for admission into many university master’s degree program or enter the workforce.

YVCC’s Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Business Management caters to working adults. Classes meet in the evenings one time per week for two hours, and seats are available in Yakima and Grandview. Continued instruction and student interaction takes place online. Full-time students (those taking 15 credits per quarter) can finish the program in two years, once pre-requisites have been met. Currently courses are scheduled to be offered during the fall, winter and spring quarters. This program is also open for part-time enrollment. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/bachelors or contact 509.574.4772 or bachelors@yvcc.edu

YVCC Honors Marvin Sundquist Marvin Sundquist was recently honored by the YVCC Board of Trustees for his record of service to the students of Yakima Valley Community College.

A founding member of the YVCC Foundation and long-time executive of the Yakima Valley College Corporation he was recognized for his generosity of intellect, time, and capital in a resolution passed on February 6, 2014.

For over 50 years Marvin Sundquist has actively participated in supporting YVCC and its students. He helped to establish the YVCC Foundation in 1977 and provided leadership from the initial investment of $140,000 to the Foundation’s current assets of $9.4 million. The Foundation’s primary focus is student scholarships and the Marvin Sundquist family has personally endowed six scholarships providing $10,000 annually for students.

In addition to his outstanding service to the Foundation, Marvin Sundquist also provided leadership and investment to the Yakima Valley College Corporation. He served on the Corporate Board from 1962 until it was dissolved in 2012.

YVCC President Dr. Linda Kaminski and Marvin Sundquist

Student Honors All-Washington Academic Team

Congratulations to Morghan Miller and Viridiana Ortiz YVCC is proud to announce the selection of Morghan Miller and Viridiana Ortiz to the 2014 All-Washington Academic Team. The scholarship program recognizes and honors students from all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for outstanding accomplishments.

Morghan Miller was born in Federal Way, Washington and moved with her family to the Yakima Valley 10 years ago. She attended Naches High School before deciding to enroll full-time in YVCC’s Running Start Program. “I choose YVCC’s Running Start Program because it was cost effective and helped me earn two years of college education while still in high school,” stated Miller. At YVCC she has excelled academically earning dean’s honor roll and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, she participates in tennis and cross country at Naches High School, maintains a part-time job at a local café, and volunteers at the Union Gospel Mission’s Madison House. She will graduate in June with an associate of arts transfer degree and a high school diploma. She then plans to transfer to Western Washington University and pursue a degree in English Literature. Ultimately, she would like to travel the world and work as a book editor.

Viridiana Ortiz moved from Mexico to the United States with her family when she was 13 years old. The family relocated to pursue job opportunities in the agriculture industry. After traveling between Idaho and Washington for work they decided to settle in the Yakima Valley. “When we first moved to the United States I had a very hard time adapting culturally. I didn’t speak English and often felt isolated and bad about myself at school. I was able to take English Language Learners courses which helped me learn English and graduate from high school,” stated Ortiz.

A first-generation college student, Ortiz enrolled at YVCC and has excelled in her coursework. In addition, she has been able to help other YVCC students by working as a tutor. She will graduate in June with an associate of arts transfer degree. She then plans to transfer to Central Washington University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. She hopes to become a first-grade teacher and ultimately would like to pursue a master’s degree so she can teach at a college or university.

Through support from KeyBank and the Washington State Employees Credit Union each member of the All-Washington Academic Team receive scholarships. In addition, many public and independent four-year colleges and universities offer a variety of scholarships to team members who transfer to their institutions.

Morghan Miller

Viridiana Ortiz

SBCTC Transforming Lives Award Nominee YVCC Recognizes Student José Avila

Each year the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges trustees association distributes the Transforming Lives Award. Students are selected from nominees from each of the 34 colleges.

The award honors current and former students whose lives were transformed by attending a Washington State community or technical college. Award recipients earn a $500 prize.

Yakima Valley Community College nominated José Avila. At a young age Avila began working with his family picking fruit in local orchards during summer vacation. The hours were long and the work was very labor-intensive. “I thank my parents for taking us to work with them each and every day of my summer breaks while in high school. If it were not for them showing us the true nature of an honest day’s work, I feel I would have taken my whole education for granted. If it were not for my parents, I would not be so ambitious to pursue higher education. Through their teachings, I have learned the value of a dollar and the importance of a good education,” stated José Avila.

Following high school, he began attending Yakima Valley Community College, pursuing a José Avila degree in mechanical engineering. Excelling in the classroom, he has maintained an average 3.84 GPA, and has made the dean’s list three times. He is also involved with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, MESA Club, Chemistry Club, and is president of the Math Club.

Ultimately, Avila would like to become an engineer and be able to provide for his family. “Attending YVCC has allowed me to take the necessary steps in attaining my desired future and has enabled me to be part of a smarter and more intellectual community,” he concluded.

Larson Gallery

Showcase Central Washington Larson Gallery Director David Lynx has been working with KYVE 47, Yakima’s local public television station, to promote art in the Yakima Valley. The segments are part of KYVE’s Showcase Central Washington series which looks at economic development projects that positively impact the Yakima Valley community.

The first project which aired in 2011 was titled Inside the Yakima Valley Museum. Lynx then helped with a episode titled Larson Gallery which aired in 2012. Next he was featured in a conversation with Yakima artist Leo Adams. The episode, Art, was a two-part series showcasing Adams work and his home in part one followed by a look at the exhibit of Adams work on display at the Yakima Valley Museum.

Most recently, Lynx was interviewed by Sean Hawkins, economic development manager for the city of Yakima. The segment titled Locally Inspired Art explored the 58th Annual Central Washington Artist Exhibition in the Larson Gallery. That exhibition featured artwork inspired by the natural beauty of Central Washington. Following the interview with Hawkins, Lynx takes KYVE to the shop Fire and Form Glass for an interview artist Darin Steen.

The series Showcase Central Washington may be viewed online at www.kcts9.org

New Submission Process January 2014 also marked the beginning of the Larson Gallery accepting submissions only online. This process is new to many of the gallery’s valuable long-time artists. To assist with this change, the Larson Gallery staff offered a Technical Assistance Day, which was well received and several artists attended. This brings the Larson Gallery current with submission standards.

Functional Art: The Wine Country Home

Above; Cinnamon Cuff by Kate Snyder; Below; Tea on the Lanai by Pat and Karen Miller

Information and photographs provided by the Larson Gallery.

This spring the Larson Gallery curated Functional Art: The Wine Country Home. The exhibit features artists from Washington, Georgia, New Mexico, California, Iowa, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and New York. The show opened with a reception on March 7 and is on display until April 19.

In 1990 the Larson Gallery held its first national biennial Art to Wear juried exhibition. The idea for the exhibit was developed by past director Carol Hassen. In 2010, twenty years after the first show, former director Cheryl Hahn implemented a new title calling the show Nature by Design: New Directions in Fiber & Jewelry. It was again modified in 2012 to Adorn the Form: New Directions in Fiber & Jewelry. The exhibition accepted only wearable art entries.

For this year’s show, current director David Lynx broadened the focus, giving artists in different media the opportunity to participate. He renamed the exhibit Functional Art: The Wine Country Home. The call to artists welcomed aesthetic objects that serve a utilitarian purpose in the ‘wine country home’ as a broad organizational theme.

Clothing, textiles, jewelry, tableware, tools, fixtures, and furniture in a variety of media were all encouraged.

The entries did not disappoint resulting in a great showcase of functional art. The exhibit was juried by Curtis Steiner who is a well-known artist and entrepreneur. His work 1,000 Blocks is in the Seattle Art Museum’s permanent collection and currently on display. He is also owner of the eclectic gift shop Souvenir in the Ballard area and has been featured in the Seattle Times Pacific Northwest and Seattle Homes and Lifestyles.

Student Activities

Student Activities in Yakima & Grandview International Student Program - This winter YVCC’s International Student Program (ISP) hosted its annual reception. Held each January, the event showcases YVCC’s program and provides international students with the opportunity to share their stories and experiences.

“The International Student reception is a wonderful opportunity for the YVCC college community to get to know our international students,” stated Interim Director of Auxiliary Services Brady Mugleston. “Multiple international students were in attendance, representing Hong Kong, Pakistan, South Korea, and Rwanda. This event allows members of YVCC’s community to get to know more about the diversity we have here on campus. YVCC international students were able to converse with those in attendance, teach others about their culture, and learn about the many resources we have on campus,” he concluded.

Callixte Hirwa came to the United States to pursue educational opportunities that were not available to him in his native Rwanda. “The main reason I decided to study internationally, especially here in USA, is because it is ranked as one of the countries that has the best education. Back home education is very hard to get. There are not that many opportunities for kids like me who come from poor families to pursue higher education due to the financial costs,” stated Callixte Hirwa. “The thing I like most about YVCC’s ISP is that they help us with everything. For instance, as international students we are not allowed to work outside of school. YVCC’s ISP does everything they can to provide student work, so we are able to buy books and other accessories,” he concluded.

Dental Hygiene - YVCC’s Dental Hygiene Program recently hosted the 21st annual Sealant Day. The event provides free dental

care to residents of the Yakima Valley ranging in age from 4-21. Treatments include visual dental exams, fluoride varnish, and sealants when needed.

“I love sealant day and really looked forward to it this year,” stated YVCC Student Cherise Hirz. “The atmosphere in the clinic is so cheerful. Everyone is smiling and it’s nice to visit with the graduated hygienists that volunteer,” she continued. “Being able to get together to give back to a community that supports our education and learning is wonderful. The participants that come in are so great and we have a blast together and try to make it a great experience for them,” Hirz concluded.

Sealant Day is held in collaboration with DSHS, Yakima Valley dental hygienists, and the Yakima Health District. In total, volunteers helped 48 patients and placed 294 sealants.

Student Government Book Drive - This winter the Associated Students of Yakima Valley Community College (ASYVCC) and the Grandview Student Council worked to support literacy in the Yakima Valley. The groups collected new and used books at several locations on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses.

“Promotion of literacy and change is important because knowledge is power,” stated ASYVCC Executive Board Assistant and Drive Coordinator Crystal Carson. “The gift of a book could change a life. Literacy is a fundamental part of learning and is crucial to the success of individuals in both their career aspirations and their quality of life. Strong literacy skills are closely linked to the probability of having a good job, decent earnings, and access to training opportunities,” she continued.

Over 1,000 books were collected. Donations were given to the Yakima County Department of Corrections and the Southeast Community Center. “The book drive has been a great opportunity for students to reach out to our community and potentially change a life of a child or an inmate. I would like to personally thank everyone for their donations and participation,” concluded Carson.

Teach, Tour & Taste - YVCC’s Teaching Winery, known as Yakima Valley Vintners, and students in the wine marketing class invited the local community to an open house. The event offered opportunities to learn about wines produced in the Yakima Valley, tour the only teaching winery in the region, and enjoy tasting Yakima Valley Vintners’ student-crafted, award-winning wines. For more information about YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology Program visit www.yvcc.edu/wine

Engineering Day - For the past seven years YVCC’s Engineering Program, along with the student Engineering Club, has

partnered with the Yakima Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to host Engineering Day. “Engineering Day allows YVCC engineering students to partner with our local engineering chapter of ASCE. The event provides hands-on demonstrations to inspire youth to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors. The venue also provides an opportunity for YVCC’s talented students to network with local industry professionals. This gives our students a chance to showcase their skills and demonstrate that they are workforce ready,” stated MESA Coordinator Mike Alamos.

This annual event is held in conjunction with National Engineers Week and features hands-on activities for children related to math, science, and engineering. Over 250 children participated in this year’s event.

Vineyard & Winery Technology - Congratulations to students in YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology Program who received a 2013 Platinum Award for their 2009 Dean’s List Cabernet Sauvignon at the Best in the Best in the Great Northwest wine competition earlier this year. In addition, they earned a Double Gold Award for their 2010 Primitivo.

YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology Program also awarded scholarships from money allocated by the Yakima Enological Society and from funds raised during last year’s annual Grape to Glass Gala. In total $8,500 was awarded to YVCC students Lura Jansen, Lindsay Boutillier, Emilse Osorio, Enrique Reyna, Katie Catron, Rafael Abundes, Jensena Newhouse, and Braden Mortensen to be used during 2014’s winter and spring quarters.

This funding is very valuable for students pursuing degrees and certificates and preparing to enter the workforce. Student Lindsay Boutillier, who received a $1,000 scholarship, has found the funds extremely helpful in her pursuit of higher education.

Enrolling in YVCC’s nursing program in the fall of 2013, Boutillier quickly learned that nursing was not for her. “I knew I needed to figure out what I was going to do with my life. I had previously heard about the YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology Program and found it to be very interesting. I decided to look into vineyard technology and I fell in love,” stated Boutillier. The funding she received allowed her to pay tuition costs while on suspension from financial aid due to her change in programs.

“Without the scholarship I received, I would not have been able to be in school this quarter because I don’t have the money to pay tuition out of my pocket,” she concluded.

Student Research in Life Science - Since the 1850’s farmers have known about a devastating root disease which

affects wheat crops. The fungus, called “take-all”, lives in the soil and turns wheat roots black as it consumes them and ultimately destroys the crop. Washington State University (WSU) researchers found that some common soil bacteria grow chemical compounds that control the “take-all” fungus. WSU has been working to deepen our understanding of one particular bacteria, Pseudomonas fluroescens, and now a grant from the National Science Foundation has allowed community colleges across the state to get involved.

YVCC students in Dr. Matthew Loeser’s Biology 201 class have had the opportunity to help collect genetic data on Pseudomonas fluroescens. For this project, students were given original samples of DNA from Pseudomonas fluroescens. As the first to work with the DNA, students isolated its genes and generated a complete sequence of DNA. Student samples were then sent to Bellevue College, the lead institution on the NSF grant, to be sequenced. Upon receiving their unique sequences back from Bellevue College, they set to researching the similarities to other genes sequenced in a national database. Ultimately, YVCC student research will help provide information on the successful strategies to control the “take-all” fungus.

“This project allowed students to conduct meaningful science within the timeline of a standard academic quarter. Their results are ready for sharing at a conference of professional scientists,” stated Loeser.

Athletics

Women’s Basketball The Yakima Valley Community College Women’s Basketball Team was within reach of the NWAACC Championship Tournament but fell short after losing the final two games of the 2013-14 season. One of those losses was to Wenatchee Chantel Dixon Valley College in triple overtime.

“I believed we had enough talent to make the tournament,” stated Head Coach Greg Oldham. “There were nights we played great basketball against the best teams, but we had more nights that we couldn’t get it done against average teams.”

Season highlights included a big win in Spokane and a convincing victory over Walla Walla in Sherar Gym. The win at Spokane was sealed when Katina Ferguson, a sophomore who joined the team after an outstanding volleyball season, tipped in an errant shot for the one-point win. Sophomore Paige Albrecht led YVCC to the win over Walla Walla with a career-high 30 point performance.

“It was nice to see Paige have that kind of game. She is a great shooter who really found her rhythm that night and our team did a great job getting her the ball,” continued Oldham.

The Yaks were led in scoring and rebounding by Freshman Carlee Creager, who averaged 10.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Sophomore point guard Chantel Dixon led YVCC in assists and steals, averaging 3.7 and 1.7, respectively. Dixon was named to the Eastern Region All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive year.

“We will miss Chantel a bunch. She has been an amazing competitor and leader the past two seasons. She was the heart of our team this year,” stated Oldham.

The Yaks will return five players for next season, including Sammi Jo Blodgett who redshirted this season. “We are recruiting hard for next year. I can’t wait to get to work to get us back where we believe we belong,” concluded Oldham.

Information provided by YVCC Athletics

Men’s Basketball The YVCC Men’s Basketball Team took its 2013-14 season right down to the final regular season game and ended up just missing a seventh consecutive trip to the NWAACC Championship Tournament. Despite challenges brought on by injury and Joel Yellow Owl adversity, the Yaks persevered. “We may not have accomplished all of the goals we set out to, but this team was enjoyable to work with and coach on a daily basis,” stated Head Coach Ray Funk. “I am thankful I had the opportunity to work with this particular group of young men.”

Season highlights included winning the Lower Columbia Red Devil Classic and going 6-1 at home in Eastern Region play. In addition, there were memorable individual performances by several of the Yak players. Juawnn Springfield scored a season-high 38 points in a pre-season game against Walla Walla and Kaipo Pale had two “double-double” games scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds against Columbia Basin and then getting 20 points and 18 rebounds versus Spokane in the team’s home finale.

“Kaipo really was a force on our interior—in addition to his rebounding prowess, he had a great feel for the game and some point guard qualities with his decision-making in the open court,” continued Funk. “Juawnn was a special scorer and significantly helped us in the pre-season. It’s really unfortunate a hand injury ended his season prematurely.”

Sophomore Joel Yellow Owl was named to the Eastern Region First Team and was also selected to participate in the NWAACC Sophomore All-Star Game. Sophomore Kaipo Pale was selected to the Eastern Region All-Defensive Team. Sophomore Lawrence Fiander was voted as an alternate to NWAACC Sophomore All-Star Game.

“We had a sophomore-laden team and those guys will be missed next year. With only a couple of returning players to go with four or five who redshirted, we have to recruit a number of quality players and student-athletes to improve and write another chapter to the YVCC Men’s Basketball Program’s rich history,” concluded Funk.

Resources Tutor Highlight: Rosa Saldana YVCC Grandview student Rosa Saldana has assisted many students in improving their writing skills as a peer tutor in Grandview’s Writing Center. She provides support on writing assignments for a variety of classes and brings something unique to each of her consultations.

Saldana, who is fluent in both Spanish and English, offers her bilingual skills to enhance the Writing Center experience.

Born in Puruandiro, Michoacán, Mexico she migrated with her family to the United States when she was just three months old. Rosa graduated from Sunnyside High School in 2011 and began attending YVCC working toward her associate of arts transfer degree. After attending for several quarters, she decided to get involved and volunteer in the Writing Center. “When I first started working in the Writing Center, I was a bit nervous and had doubts on whether or not I was going to be able to deliver as a consultant,” stated Rosa Saldana. “Joining the Writing Center has really helped me grow professionally because I’ve learned to adjust to being out of my comfort zone and it’s also helped me become a bit more social,” she continued.

“We are fortunate to have an experienced peer tutor who is bilingual in Spanish and English, and I have observed how English language learners are appreciative of her abilities,” stated Lead Consultant Kim Nolt. “Rosa can easily change from Spanish to English as needed to help students. Being able to communicate in both languages is a definite asset,” she continued. “We help bilingual students with their writing by using English to communicate, which is the primary language in higher education. But there are times when it was an obvious struggle to relate because of the finer nuances of English grammar, or explore issues using probing questions to stimulate critical thinking, because of language. Having a bilingual tutor who can touch the core of bilingual students accentuates the importance of bridging the language gap of all students. The Writing Center should be a place where language improves communication, and our bilingual tutor certainly adds to our service to students” concluded Nolt.

Rosa will graduate this summer. She plans to transfer to Heritage University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in social work.

After Heritage she would like to transfer to Eastern Washington University to earn a master’s degree. “My ultimate goal is to be successful in everything I do. I understand that in order to be successful we all have to work hard for what we want but a challenge here and there always gives great motivation to us all,” Saldana concluded.

Alumni Association Yakima Valley Community College’s Alumni Association is governed by a volunteer board of directors. This dedicated group works to promote a close relationship between alumni and the college. The board of directors is in search of new people who are interested in becoming involved.

The board of directors’ primary goal is to award the annual YVCC Alumni Association Scholarship. The board also administers YVCC’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. Given to a YVCC alum who has distinguished themselves in their community, the award is presented each year at the annual commencement ceremony in June.

The current board members are Millie Stenehjem, Casey Stenehjem, Dan Fortier, Dr. Meg MacLeod, Angela Moreno, Donna Bernard, Chuck Weedin, and Kelly Robbins. In addition, YVCC Foundation Executive Director Stacey Kautz, and YVCC President Dr. Linda Kaminski provide support.

Interested in becoming involved with YVCC’s Alumni Association? Join the board of directors, donate to the scholarship fund, or become a member of the Alumni Association today! For more information visit www.yvcc.edu/alumni or contact Deborah Wilson at 574.6872 or dwilson@yvcc.edu

Did you know?

A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as a non-profit institution that has at least 25% Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. In 2002, 2004, and 2006 Yakima Valley Community College received the designation (HSI) and three Title V grants allowing the college to strengthen the institution for all students and faculty.

The additional funds allow YVCC to focus on projects that range from student support programs to classroom technology.

In Clio’s Corner we share historical facts and memories about our college. A special thanks to Mr. Jim Newbill, longtime YVCC history instructor and current honorary director of the YVCC Foundation for his contributions to this idea.

In The Classroom

This I Believe

Serenity Mitchell’s “Today I am a Big Sister” Students in Dodie’s Forrest’s English O90T class have the unique opportunity to participate in dialogue and writing projects to explore their beliefs. “This I Believe,” is not simply a classroom writing assignment, but part of a nationwide writing project. Below is an excerpt from Serenity Mitchell’s Today I am a Big Sister essay.

I sincerely believe how you treat your siblings is preparation for how you will eventually treat your children. A little frightening to think about, isn’t it? Learning to be patient, loving, and genuinely interested in my siblings (and future children) is something I’ve decided to invest a lot of work into during my pre-motherhood years. It isn’t easy, it isn’t always fun; nor is it generally conducive to my ever-growing to-do list. That’s when I need to challenge myself to continue being that patient, loving and consistent big sister.

I’ve also learned that children are smart. They pick up on signals quite quickly. We, as adults, have to be genuinely interested in order to create a genuine bond. In my experience, if one acts loving, generally the person on the receiving end will do the same. Take a middle-of-the-week evening at my house several years ago.

It had been a long day. I had worked hard to get my school assignments done on time, my chores completed, my pen-pal letters written, and my cucumber face mask blended to perfection, ready and waiting to be gently applied after a long day of tasks checked off the list. “Seren! Come here!” my mom called.

I placed my mask on the vanity counter by the bathroom sink and galloped down the stairs. My mom was waiting for me at bottom. “Can you clean up the living room for me before you go to bed tonight? It’s been cluttered all day and I just haven’t had time to get to it. I need to give the little ones baths and prepare everyone’s schoolwork for tomorrow.”

No, I mentally whined. Why does it have to be me? I always have to do everything! “Fine,” I replied with an eye roll. My mother sighed and walked up the stairs to start the bath water. I slowly walked to the living room, dragging my feet.

“I just hate today,” I muttered aloud. “I have to clean up this entire living room and I didn’t even make the mess! Mom is so mean. I am enslaved to the depths of her very soul. One day I’ll leave and then she’ll really realize how much I help around here!”

I was an emotional, melodramatic 15-year-old. There were books on the coffee table, assorted toys on the floor and a small mantle full of the day’s accumulated junk. A lifetime’s worth of things to pick up in my eyes. I began moping about, trying to decide which item to pick up first.

Then I heard a small voice. It was my three-year-old sister, Grace. I didn’t even realize she had come into the room.

“It’s okay, Seren!” I can help you! See? I have the mop!”

My heart melted. No matter that a mop wouldn’t help my situation; my sister spoke up with a caring, heartfelt response to my cry of despair, one that I have yet to forget.

I believe it is essential to be involved in our siblings’ lives, to let them know that they are loved, interesting and worthwhile.

Later on the investment will pay off. Along with having a tight-knit relationship with some of the closest related people we will ever have in life, our children will experience the benefits as well. They will enjoy the wonderful blessing of growing up connected to their extended family.

Today I am a big sister. Yesterday I was a big sister. Tomorrow I will be a big sister. I’d like to make it count.

Serenity Mitchell will graduate from YVCC in the spring of 2015. She plans to transfer and pursue a degree in music. Ultimately, she would like to become a piano teacher.

Special Funding Workforce Special Funding YVCC’s Workforce Education Division has special funding available through the Worker Retraining Program and the Basic Food and Employment Training (BFET) Program.

YVCC Student Frances Saenz has found that participating in the Worker Retraining Program provided her opportunities to train for a new career. The funding is available to individuals who are receiving Washington State unemployment insurance benefits, or those who have lost their job due to economic changes and need to gain new skills to re-enter the workforce.

YVCC’s program offers students training in basic skills and literacy, occupational skills, and vocational education. The program helps cover the cost of tuition and/or books for one Frances Saenz quarter of attendance at YVCC. After dropping out of high school Saenz began cutting asparagus with her father. At 18 she began working at Prosser’s ConAgra Foods and worked there for 25 years. When it closed in May 2010, Saenz was unsure what to do or how to gain new skills. With the help of YVCC’s Worker Retraining Program Saenz was able to earn her General Education Development (GED) and then transitioned to college courses. “YVCC’s program provided me with the support I needed as a returning student,” stated Saenz. “Through the program I have been able to meet new people, received support from faculty, and learned valuable computer skills,” she continued.

Through the efforts of the Worker Retraining Program Saenz learned that she also qualified for the Trade Act. The Trade Act is a federal program that helps assist students who were dislocated from a company whose goods/services were distributed internationally. This funding allowed her to focus on her studies without facing the financial burdens of being a student. “I would not have been able to afford college without YVCC’s Worker Retraining Program,” concluded Saenz. Saenz graduated in March with a business technology certificate in general office assistant.

“YVCC’s Worker Retraining and BFET programs help students work toward vocational or technical degrees and certificates many of whom would not be able to retrain for a new career without help,” stated YVCC Workforce Program Coordinator Tina Wilson. “These are just two of the many programs that YVCC offers to help support student success,” she concluded.

YVCC’s Workforce Education Division also has funding available through the BFET program. BFET provides services to basic food (food stamp) recipients in Washington State. Services may include maintaining eligibility for basic food while in school, plus child care, job search training and other support services. For more information visit www.yvcc.edu/workforcefunding

One Voice for Higher Education Grant

South Central Washington Science Olympiad

Students participating in the second annual South Central Washington Science Olympiad.

Yakima Valley Community College was awarded a One Voice for Higher Education grant in the amount of $16,000 from the Yakima Valley Community Foundation (YVCF). The funding provided access for middle school and junior high school students to attend the second annual South Central Washington Science Olympiad. The tournament was held on the YVCC Yakima Campus on February 22, 2014. Participants included students, teachers, and parents from school districts throughout the region from Cle Elum to the Tri-Cities, as well as college and university faculty, and community members. Heritage University and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences were also cosponsors.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for YVCC and students in our valley. Through this process of training for the Science Olympiad, students will explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines,” stated Dr. Linda Kaminski, YVCC President.

The Science Olympiad is a national organization that provides opportunities for teams of students to compete against other schools in science and math challenges.

For more information visit: www.washingtonscienceolympiad.com

People Exceptional Faculty Awards The YVCC Board of Trustees granted $10,000 to the first round of Exceptional Faculty Awards for the 2013-14 academic year.

Faculty members from nursing, art, nutrition and life sciences have the opportunity to pursue professional development in their respective fields.

Wendy Baker Received funding to help cover the cost of tuition at the University of Washington where she is working to earn her doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.

Rachel Dorn Attended a ceramics educator’s conference in Milwaukee in March 2014. This annual conference focused on teaching and creating ceramic art.

Life Sciences Department Funded five full-time and two part-time faculty to attend the Northwest Biology Teachers Conference to be held at Bellevue College in May 2014.

Congratulations to YVCC’s Automotive Technology Program that was recently evaluated and reaccredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

English Instructors Carolyn Calhoon-Dillahunt and Dodie Forrest were selected by the Two-Year College English Association as recipients of the 2014 Mark Reynolds TETYC Best Article Award for their article, Conversing in Marginal Spaces: Developmental Writers’ Responses to Teacher Comments.

Silvia Garibay

YVCC Dental Hygiene Instructor Susan Franck was published in The Journal of Dental Hygiene in February for her clinical research in identifying patients with unknown diabetes and pre-diabetes during dental appointments.

Grandview Campus Teaching Aid and former student Silvia Garibay received her United States citizenship. Garibay provides supports to YVCC’s Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs.

Richard Thacker

President Linda Kaminski and Trustee Lisa Parker traveled to Washington DC to attend the Community College National Legislative Summit. While at the capital they gathered with other presidents and trustees from community colleges across the nation to learn about and discuss federal issues that affect higher education.

Chicano Studies Instructor Maria Cuevas, English Instructor Michael Follansbee, Upward Bound Director Melissa Green, Basic Skills Instructor Rusty Marquis, Sociology Instructor Keith Reyes, Counselor Rich Schillinger, and English Instructor Julie Swedin participated in the Yakama Traditional Storytellers and Educational Professionals of the Yakama Lands training held at Yakama Nation Museum. Trustee Patricia Whitefoot was a featured speaker at the event.

Congratulations to Richard Thacker on his award as the Winter 2014 Classified Employee of the Quarter.

Thacker is a Media Assistant II in the Media Center.

DREAM 2014 A team from YVCC including Vice President of Instruction and Students Services Tomás Ybarra, Dean of Arts and Sciences Kerrie Abb, Dean of Basic Skills and the Grandview Campus Dr. Bryce Humpherys, Dean of Workforce Education Paulette Lopez, Assistant Dean of Student Services Marc Coomer, Faculty Director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness Wilma Dulin, and Counselor Kathryn Bauer attended the DREAM 2014: The Achieving the Dream Annual Institute on Student Success held in Florida in February. In addition to attending the conference, Abb, Bauer, Dulin, and Lopez presented Choice Points and Change Agents. Humphreys presented a session on Adult Basic Education transition titled Birds of a Feather.

ART

Sarah Panarello Funded to attend the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Atlanta, GA in October 2014.

From right; David Huycke, Timothy Jeske, and David Lynx during the production of ART.

This winter the Larson Gallery and YVCC Playmasters presented a unique drama experience with their production of Yasmina Reza’s Tony award-winning play ART. Held in the Larson Gallery, the play featured Larson Gallery Director and Photography Instructor David Lynx, Political Science Instructor Dr. Timothy Jeske, and Geology Instructor David Huycke. Set in Paris, the story explores the friendship of three men - Serge, Marc, and Yvan who find their previously solid 15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge buys an expensive white canvas painting.

Department of Visual Arts

My Sabbatical by Rachel Dorn I spent the fall quarter working in my home studio in Yakima creating new sculptures as part of my sabbatical. The new works integrate fired ceramic and mechanical parts and represent a new body of work for me.

In 2012, I was invited to participate in a fundraiser for World Bicycle Relief. I was sent a box of 100 assorted SRAM bike parts and was asked to incorporate at least 25 parts into a sculpture that would then be donated to SRAM’s pART Project auction in New York City. During the summer break in 2012, I created the SRAM auction sculpture and two more pieces using the leftover bike parts. The original piece was auctioned off in November 2012 but can still be seen in the SRAM pART Project online gallery.

I found the bike part project to be so interesting and challenging that I wanted to explore the idea in more depth during a sabbatical.

Clay shrinks and changes when it dries and is fired but is soft, wet and malleable when being formed. Building the ceramic forms took more time and planning than my previous work because the metal and plastic bike parts were not fired and therefore did not undergo any changes in size or surface texture.

The broader body of my work is based on organic materials such as plants, seedpods and undersea creatures. The clay lends itself to soft and rounded forms, whereas the mechanical parts contrast with hard surfaces and sharp edges. While I was sketching and planning the new sculptures, I started to think of the mechanical parts as prostheses and external supports for the organic forms that make up my sculpture.

The sabbatical allowed me an unusually long, uninterrupted time to work on my sculptures. I started the planning in the summer and

by September had found my momentum in the building process. I built work in August, September and October. During November I glazed and fired my work and in December I attached the bike parts to the fired clay to create the finished sculptures.

In January I came back to teaching (and heading the Department of Visual Arts) and also installed a show of my sabbatical work, Biomorph, at Esvelt Gallery on the Columbia Basin College campus in Pasco. Most of the sabbatical sculptures will again be on display in April at Oak Hollow Gallery in Yakima.

During my sabbatical, I wrote extensively about my sabbatical work, my process, my studio and my shows on my blog, Rachel Dorn Ceramic Sculpture at http://racheldorn.blogspot.com. I continue to maintain the blog and you can see images of my work and read more about my past, present and upcoming work there or at my website: www.racheldorn.com

Pedal/Petal

Nepentha Prosthesia

Scylla Bionica

Rachel Dorn is chair of the Department of Visual Art. She runs the ceramic studio and also teaches art appreciation and design classes.

In 2013 she was awarded the Daryl and Sherrie Parker Faculty Award for her outstanding work with students. Most recently her blog was recognized as one of the top blogs of 2013 by Pottery Making Info.

Big Sram

PO Box 22520 Yakima, WA 98907-2520

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