AMC at Boschma Farms Welcomes First Students

Blossoms and Rain Welcomes Students to Spring Term

People posing on stairway — _{The first Boschma Farms students from Brenda Rosencrans’ algebra class pose with Clark College staff on the staircase at the AMC on April 7, 2025.} _{Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish}

On a blustery, rainy day, students returned to Clark College for the first day of spring term on April 7. Pink and white blossoms fell from trees and danced through the wind as students shouldering backpacks hurried to classes on the main campus.

Students were greeted by Clark staff members volunteering at information tables inside buildings around campus. Helpful volunteers answered students’ questions, offered directions, provided campus maps and more. These information tables were successful in helping students feel welcomed.

Inside Bauer Hall, a student stepped up to an information table and asked for help in finding his class.

“Who teaches your class?” asked the volunteer.

The student replied, “Robert Weston. Room 106.”

The volunteer looked at the building map, pointed, and said, “Just down that hallway.”

Similar scenarios played out all over campus as students navigated to their new classes.

First Day at Boschma Farms

people walking into a room — _{Dr. Terry Brown holds the door open for the Biology 101 class on Thursday, April 10 in the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms.} _{Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley}

Almost 15 miles from the main campus, the first-ever class of students arrived at the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield. Balloons tethered to a welcome sign greeted students at the new Clark College location. During spring term, the college has scheduled a soft opening with general education classes at the AMC.

_{Victor Gonzalez was the first Clark College student to arrive at the AMC at Boschma Farms for the first day of spring classes on April 7, 2025.} _{Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish}

The first student to arrive was Victor Gonzalez, who was heading for Professor Brenda Rosencrans’ Math 111 algebra class upstairs in classroom 208. As soon as Gonzalez stepped through the front door, he was greeted by a contingent of staff and faculty. Then he was offered a Penguin gift bag by his algebra professor and Vice President of Instruction William “Terry” Brown. Gonzalez was surprised that his class was being held in a brand-new building and that his was the first class to convene there.

Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in computer science, said his advisor and professors told him about Clark’s new Bachelor of Science in computer science program that is starting in the fall. He is looking forward to learning more about it as he steps toward his future career in computer science.

After all the algebra students had arrived, they posed with Professor Rosencrans, Dr. Brown, and other Clark staff on the stairway of the building. Then it was time to head to their classroom.

Following their class, several students asked for a tour of the building. Professor Will Zander of the new Advanced Manufacturing program showed them around.

people outside building — _{Biology 101 students stand outside the AMC.} _{Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley}

Advanced Manufacturing Quick Facts

During fall term, the first cohort of Clark’s new advanced manufacturing program will begin at the Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Building: Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms
Program: Advanced Manufacturing
Two-year degree: Integrated Technician, Associate in Applied Technology (98 credits)
Certificate of Achievement, Introduction to Manufacturing (36 credits)
Certificate of Proficiency, Manufacturing Operator (47 credits)
First cohort begins: Fall 2025