Penguins Give 2025 was a success, and it’s all thanks to YOU!
Together, 255 donors raised $47,305 to support Clark students. As of May 7, gifts ranged from $5 to $5,000 and every single one made a difference.
Top areas of support included (by total gifts):
Julian Nelson Memorial Scholarship: 66 gifts
Clark College General Scholarship Fund: 31 gifts
The Clark Fund: 24 gifts
Athletic Scholarships:21 gifts
MESA Program: 20 gifts
Bonus Wins
Washington Trust Bank made an early morning 2-to-1 match available—completed within hours!
Umpqua Bank’s Coffee Break Challenge awarded an extra $500 to the Julian Nelson Memorial Scholarship.
The Northwest Wine and Food Society’s Happy Hour Challenge added another $500 to support the MESA Program.
Vanessa Neal’s (Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) name was drawn after Take Your Child to Work Day activities making her the winner of theiQ Credit Union Employee Challenge and earning ODEI an extra $500.
Multiple major matches helped boost donations across critical areas like the Penguin Pantry, Basic Needs Hub, Clark College Student Success Fund, and Arts@Clark.
Partnership Magic: Once again, we partnered PenguinsGive with Take Your Child to Work Day, creating an incredible buzz and energy on campus. Watching our next generation engage with the spirit of philanthropy and community was truly inspiring.
Leadership Matters: Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the leadership teams and boards at Clark College and the Clark College Foundation. Your investment, enthusiasm, and trust made this year’s PenguinsGive not just successful—but transformational.
Thank you to every donor, advocate, volunteer, and supporter who helped us make this milestone possible. You’re the reason the Penguin Nation waddles more impressively every year.
Your generosity helps students pursue their goals, overcome obstacles, and build brighter futures. Thank you for showing up.
About Clark College Foundation Clark College Foundation (CCF) is an independent, self-governed nonprofit that partners with Clark College to improve higher education access, student success, and community engagement. In the 2023–2024 school year, CCF distributed $1.6 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to hundreds of students. The Foundation contributed $4.8 million in total support to the college that same year.
Make a Donation If you miss this year’s PenguinsGive campaign, you can still donate to support your favorite Clark College program or project here.
April 24 is PenguinsGive
contributedby Clark College Foundation
Mark your calendars, Penguin Nation—Thursday, April 24 is the fifth annual PenguinsGive, Clark College’s 24-hour digital day of giving. For one day, we rally together to support Clark students and the programs that change lives. Whether you’re on campus or cheering from afar, you won’t want to miss this milestone celebration!
Double Your Impact with Matching Funds
Thanks to the generosity of Clark College donors, every gift made during PenguinsGive will be matched dollar-for-dollar* – that means your gift has the power to go twice as far.
For example:
A $150 gift to the Student Success Fund becomes $300.
A $90 donation to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion turns into $180.
A $50 contribution to the Music program grows to $100.
No matter the size of your contribution, every dollar counts double for Clark students and programs!
Celebrate Our Legacy of Giving
Over the years, the Penguin Nation has joined forces during PenguinsGive to:
Fund scholarships that open doors for student success.
Launch vital programs, including the new Basic Needs Hub, through the Student Success Fund, ensuring students can access essentials like food and housing support.
Enhance student life with resources across athletics, academic programs, and beyond.
This fifth PenguinsGive is our chance to celebrate how far we’ve come—and to take our impact to even greater heights.
Be Part of the Best PenguinsGive So Far
Mark Your Calendar: Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Spread the Word: Tell friends, family, and fellow alumni about the big day.
Choose Your Cause: Support the Clark College programs that mean the most to you—scholarships, student services, athletics, STEM, music, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Basic Needs Hub, and more.
Make Your Donation: Remember, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact.
Join the Celebration!
On April 24, let’s show up for Clark students in a big way. With your support, we’ll continue to make a brighter future for Southwest Washington, strengthening programs, championing student success, and demonstrating the power of generosity across our entire Penguin Nation.
Are you ready to make this the best PenguinsGive yet? We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
For a little extra fun, drop by the Gaiser Student Center for Take Your Child to Work activities. Enjoy a beverage from the iQ Credit Union coffee cart, and while you’re there, you can nominate your favorite program or department and give them a chance to receive an extra $500 courtesy of iQ!
*While matching funds last. A maximum gift match of $500 per donor applies. For any gift over $500, we will contact you to discuss gift match options.
Winter Native Plant Sale
By Meg Shuman, Greenhouse Manager
2024 Winter Native Plant Sale.
Looking to add native plants to your garden while supporting environmental education? Clark College’s Native Plant Sale is back, offering a diverse selection of student-grown plants perfect for local landscapes. Taking place on March 13, 14, and 15 at the Native Plant Center, the college’s greenhouse, this winter sale is more than just a chance to shop – it’s an opportunity to invest in students, sustainability, and the regional ecosystem.
Winter Plant Sale hours:
Thursday, March 13 from noon to 6 p.m.
Friday, March 14 from noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Spring Native Plant Sale: April 24-26
Students will be available to assist customers with transporting plants to their vehicles. Bring your own box or container if you have it. Otherwise, we’ll have some on hand to provide.
The plant sale is a fundraiser for the college’s biology and environmental science students. Clark College biology and environmental science students propagated all plants. In addition to prepping these plants for sale, students propagate other plants in the greenhouse for use in restoration projects at various sites in Southwest Washington including the Columbia River Gorge, Trout Lake, and other sites.
“Late winter/early spring is a great time to plant natives due to the inevitable spring rains that will help them get established without the need for extensive irrigation or care,” said Native Plant Center Co-Director, Kathleen Perillo. “Once established, native plants will thrive on their own without any fuss.”
Prices range from $5 for four-inch pots to $20 for a three-gallon pot. The sale features a variety of native perennials, including ferns, flowers, shrubs and trees. Many of these plants support the region’s pollinators and make for low-intensity gardening.
Available plants for sale include:
Slenderbeak sedge
Western Yarrow
Sword fern
Maidenhair fern
Pearly everlasting
Showy Milkweed
Idaho fescue Festuca
Red fescue
Coastal Strawberry
Blanket flower
Large-leaved Avens
Large leaf lupine
Riverbank Lupine
Cascade penstemon
Self-heal
Meadow Checkermallow
Canada goldenrod
Douglas aster
Fringecup
Trees and Shrubs
Pacific Ninebark
Red-osier Dogwood
Quaking aspen
Douglas Spirea
Salal
Twinberry honeysuckle
Blue Elderberry
Red Elderberry
Salmonberry
Mock Orange
The event is free and open to the public. The greenhouse is located on the east side of campus near East Reserve Street. The closest parking lot is Orange 2. Directions and maps are available online at www.clark.edu/maps.
About the Native Plant Center
The Native Plant Center is dedicated to educating the community about the environmental benefits of native plant species. The NPC grows native plants for use in home gardens and restoration projects that are designated by the Department of Natural Resources and the National Forest Service.
Read about Clark College environmental science students planting native plants in October 2024 in the Columbia River Gorge here.
Watch for more information about the Spring Native Plant sale, coming up next on April 24, 25 & 26 at Clark’s greenhouse!
Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish
Winter Phi Theta Kappa Induction
By Malina Siharath, PTK Director of Public Relations
Left to right: 2024-2025 Phi Theta Kappa leaders: Malina Siharath, Lindsey Quiroz, Jude Georgeades-Tambara, and Mary Chavez
Congratulations to the 23 Clark College honors students who became members of Alpha Sigma Phi, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) during this winter term. PTK celebrated these new members at the 2025 Winter Induction Ceremony on March 4.
The official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s first PTK induction ceremony was in 1991.
Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.
“Phi Theta Kappa is all about recognition,” said Darci Feider, PTK advisor. “During our induction ceremony, we recognize people for being scholars, for their achievements, and for being a part of our community.”
Additionally, Feider spoke on the importance of storytelling and connecting with the Honors In Action project that Phi Theta Kappa submitted in December 2024. Presented by Vice President of Service Jude Georgeades-Tambara, the Honors in Action project is a PTK program that combines academic research and service to address issues within students’ communities. The project’s 2024-2025 theme, The Power of Storytelling, was encapsulated in the induction.
2024-25 PTK Officers
The 2024-25 PTK officers are Mary Chavez, Vice President of Scholarship; Lindsey Quiroz, Vice President of Fellowship; Jude Georgeades-Tambara, Vice President of Service, and Malina Siharath, Director of Public Relations.
Officer Applications Open
Officer applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Benefits include professional development, public speaking skills, networking, training, and travel opportunities.
All-Washington Academic Team
PTK scholars representing Clark College will join PTK scholars from all the state’s 34 community and technical colleges to be recognized at the 2025 All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.
The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students attending two-year colleges. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers, the individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success in their classrooms and in their communities. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges. Learn more here.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Q: What is Phi Theta (PTK)?
A: Phi Theta Kappa is the international official Honors Society for two-year colleges.
Q: How does PTK benefit students?
A: Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students. It provides opportunities for its members to achieve academic and career success through scholarships and leadership training.
Q: Where are PTK chapters?
A: PTK has a presence at almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.
Q: What is the history of PTK?
A: PTK was established in 1918. Later, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.
Q: How many students have been inducted into PTK?
A: More than 3.5 million students have been inducted into PTK.
Q: How many active PTK members are there?
A: There are about 250,000 active PTK members in the nation’s community colleges.
PTK at Clark College
Clark College has recognized Phi Theta Kappa as an official honor society since 1991. PTK doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success. It also provides them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger. Clark College’s Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter Contact: ptk@clark.edu
Have you ever wanted to dance Bollywood style in a flash mob? Now’s your chance!
The International Day planning committee is offering a free Bollywood dance lesson with Portland-based instructor, Poorna Sridhara. In this session, you’ll learn basic dance moves to a vibrant Bollywood song — so that you can hit the dance floor with confidence and join the fun in a flash mob-style performance on Thursday when we celebrate International Day. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear so that you can move around freely and come ready to dance and have some fun!
Bollywood Dance Lesson (Free!)
Monday, February 24 from noon to 1 p.m.
Gaiser Hall, Room 213
Learn the moves to a lively, upbeat Bollywood routine with Poorna Sridhara!
Limited space — first come, first served.
What is Bollywood dance?
Bollywood dance is a colorful and theatrical style that blends traditional Indian dance with contemporary Western influences. Known for its expressive movements and high energy, this dance style is a hallmark of Indian films, commonly known as Bollywood movies. Sample Bollywood dance here.
Both the Bollywood dance lesson and International Day are free events open to the entire college community. Don’t miss out on the fun!
International Day
Thursday, February 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (see estimated schedule below) Gaiser Student Center
Presented by International Programs, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Clark’s World Languages program
Enjoy the following fun, engaging, and FREE activities:
Free food from around the world!
Henna tattoos
Interactive dance demonstrations: Bollywood, Peruvian, Cumbia, and Samba
*Get ready to dance! Comfortable footwear is recommended.
About International Day
International Day is a highlight of International Education Week, a global celebration of the benefits of international education and cultural exchange. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from around the world to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
Story Submitted by Clark County Historical Museum.
Clark College is hosting a powerful glimpse into local Black history this February. In honor of Black History Month, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) has unveiled Foundations, a temporary exhibit at the Clark College Bookstore that explores the early years and lasting impact of the local Vancouver’s NAACP. Serving as a preview of a larger exhibit set to open in April, Foundations highlights eight decades of activism, resilience, and progress in the fight for racial justice. Through historic photos, documents, and personal narratives, visitors can connect with the stories that shaped Vancouver’s Black community and continue to inspire change today.
Created in partnership with the Vancouver NAACP and CCHM, the exhibit highlights the pivotal role of the NAACP Vancouver Branch in advocating for racial justice, equality, and community empowerment since its founding in 1945. Through powerful images and personal narratives, visitors will gain insight into the early history of the local chapter, its impact during a time of racial tension and war, and the lasting legacy of this grassroots organization in the fight for civil rights.
This teaser exhibit displayed at the Clark College Bookstore offers a glimpse into the rich history of Vancouver’s Black community and sets the stage for the full exhibit that will open in April, honoring 80 years of dedicated work towards racial justice.
This exhibit features historical photos, documents, and a timeline of key moments, including the struggles faced by Black residents during World War II, the formation of the Vancouver NAACP branch, and its continued work toward social equity. The full exhibit in April will delve deeper into the ongoing work of the NAACP Vancouver Branch, with an emphasis on its role in overcoming housing discrimination, job inequalities, and fighting for equal rights for all.
Bradley Richardson, executive director at Clark County Historical Museum, said, “The exhibit at Clark College has come out of a long-term relationship we’ve established with the NAACP Vancouver and multiple exhibit projects over the last five years. Our exhibit work started with Claudia Carter, who was chairing the Black History Month Committee, on an installation at the Vancouver Community Library.”
Richardson added, “Eventually, Claudia’s work transformed into an impactful timeline that celebrated Black History in Southwest Washington, which was installed out front of the museum between 2022 and 2023. Claudia passed away in 2022 and left an indelible mark of our local history. We were honored to be able to work with the NAACP Vancouver again this year on a new installation and continue to carry forward the legacy of Claudia Carter’s passion and advocacy for Black History here in Clark County.”
The Clark County Historical Museum invites all members of the community to visit the Clark College Bookstore during February to explore this powerful preview of Vancouver’s Black history and the significant role the NAACP Vancouver Branch has played in shaping the region.
Learn more
NAACP, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of Vancouver, Washington: Link
Step into a week of healing, reflection, and inspiration as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Clark College and well as the National Day of Racial Healing. The 2025 MLK Celebration, presented by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offers a series of events designed to restore, educate, and empower our community.
All are welcome. All events are free to attend.
Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.
Anyone needing accommodation due to a disability to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Human Resources office prior to the event via phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu.
Event One: Guided Sound Bath (two sessions)
When: Tuesday, January 21 (register for one session)
Session 1: 10-11 a.m.
Session 2: noon-1 p.m.
Where: Gaiser Hall (GHL), Room 213
Who: Open to Clark College students, staff, and faculty
Register: Space is limited. Email mgolder@clark.edu to reserve your spot.
In alignment with the National Day of Racial Healing, begin your journey with a restorative healing space to help you pause, reset, realign. This healing session will prepare participants for meaningful engagement in this week’s events, from the book discussion to the keynote address by Dr. Bettina Love. Take this opportunity to connect within and find the balance needed to pursue equitable outcomes.
Anyone needing accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Human Resources office prior to the event via phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu.
Event Two: Book Discussion, Punished for Dreaming by Dr. Bettina Love
When: Wednesday, January 22nd from 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Penguin Union Building (PUB), Room 161
Book:Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal by Dr. Bettina L. Love
Engage in a thought-provoking book discussion of Dr. Bettina Love’s groundbreaking book, Punished for Dreaming. This conversation precedes Dr. Love’s keynote address by exploring the historical and systemic barriers to educational equity and how we can envision healing pathways. A limited number of books are available for purchase at the Clark College Bookstore for $19.50 each.
Event Three: Keynote Speaker Dr. Bettina Love, author of Punished for Dreaming
We Gon’ Be Alright, But That Ain’t Alright: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom
When: Thursday, January 23rd from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Gaiser Student Center
Don’t miss Dr. Bettina L. Love’s keynote address, We Gon’ Be Alright, But That Ain’t Alright: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom. An internationally acclaimed educator, author, and advocate for social justice, Dr. Love will delve into the struggles and possibilities of creating a future rooted in abolitionist teaching.
Abolitionist Teaching is built on the creativity, imagination, boldness, ingenuity, and rebellious spirit and methods of abolitionists to demand and fight for an educational system where all students are thriving, not simply surviving.
Drawing from her bestselling book, Punished for Dreaming, she will illuminate the necessity of moving beyond the “educational survival complex” to cultivate a system where every student thrives.
Join Us for a Week of Healing and Inspiration
The 2025 MLK Celebration at Clark College is more than a series of events—it’s a call to action. Whether through restorative practices, insightful dialogue, or powerful keynote addresses, this week will leave you inspired to continue Dr. King’s work of justice and equality.
A transformative voice in education and social justice, Dr. Bettina L. Love holds the esteemed William F. Russell Professorship at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Recognized by the Kennedy Center as one of the Next 50 leaders shaping an inclusive and compassionate future, Dr. Love’s profound insights and expertise have garnered acclaim from NPR, PBS, Time, Education Week, The Guardian, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Dr. Love actively contributes to the mission of nurturing and empowering educators and parents committed to combating injustice within their educational institutions and communities. In 2018, the Georgia House of Representatives honored Dr. Love with a resolution for her impactful contributions to the field of education.
Her earlier bestseller, We Want to Do More Than Survive, has sold almost 200,000 copies. Books will be available in the Clark College Bookstore. Learn more about Dr. Bettina Love.
Post by Michelle Golder
Exploring Healthcare and Bioscience Careers
Left to right: The Career Services team includes Niira Krupnick, Michael Caldwell, Eli Knapp, Alex Kison, Aaron Campbell, Trisha Haakonstad (not pictured), Emily Meoz (not pictured), and Paul Dulaney (not pictured).
For students wondering about a career in healthcare or bioscience, the Career Connect event on November 19th gave students a behind-the-scenes look into this high-demand industry. This event complemented the October 22nd healthcare and bioscience focused Career Connect event in the Clark College Building at WSU Vancouver.
Alex Kison from Career Services said, “While the October 22nd event was intentional in meeting current healthcare program students in the building where they take most of their classes, this event was more focused on exploring careers in healthcare and bioscience. It was especially geared for those who haven’t declared their major yet and are curious about this area of study and the related career pathways.”
Held in PUB 161 by the Career Services team, there was a welcoming atmosphere as students, staff, faculty, and community members chatted with local employers about careers, internships, and more.
In addition to exploring career pathways, students connected with the Career Services team, the Academic Advising department, and Student Success Coaches, learning more about the resources available in the Clark College community.
Participants were able to engage directly with employers and industry professionals, and explore their options, whether they were interested in becoming a nurse, pharmacy tech, healthcare administrative professional , or exploring other healthcare career opportunities.
The following employers participated in this event:
Adventure Medics – EMT/Emergency Service Technicians, First Responders, Nurses
AFC Urgent Care – Medical Assistants, Medical Administration, Medical Billing
Ardon Health – Pharmacy Technicians
Consumer Direct Care Network Washington – Caregivers, Service Coordinators, Administration
Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Forensic Mental Health Services – Summer Internships, Behavioral Healthcare, Nursing
Legacy Health – Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Assistants, Nursing, CNA, Medical Receptionists
Multnomah County Health Department – LPN, RN, Certified Medical Assistants
Providence – Phlebotomy, MLS/MLT, PT, OT, SLP, Pharmacy Tech, Radiology, and more
Willamette Dental Group – Dental Hygienist externship opportunity
Potential employer like Adventure Medics is hiring EMTs, First Responders, nurses, and more.
“Adventure Medics is a diverse medical company,” explained Alex, a station supervisor who was representing the Event Medical portion of Adventure Medics. The Event Medical team staffs a variety of events from concerts to sporting events to motocross rallies.
Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) provides in-home care for older adults and those with disabilities. They are hiring service coordinators who provide customer service to clients, caregivers, and case managers. CDWA is also looking for caregivers who provide one-on-one services and offers a flexible schedule, especially for those in school.
Also present at the event was Jordan Wilcox, a recruiter and partner specialist for Clark College’s Surgical Technology program , starting in the Fall of 2025. Students can begin taking foundation classes for this new program in the coming Winter and Spring terms.
During this event, industry professionals not only talked about career opportunities, but also provided students with insight into the future possibilities of their fields. Included in the event were resources to help participants engage and learn more with employers, such as career conversation questions, bingo activities, and opportunities for prizes.
From building connections to planning the next step in their careers, this event had something for everyone.
Stay tuned for the next Career Connect event coming up in 2025!
Free pizza, salad, and drinks were provided, as well as free career clothing for students.
Post and photos byEli Knapp, Career Services
STEM scholars
The Mathematics Department is excited to announce the recipients of this year’s Sigma Scholarship. This scholarship was established in summer of 2020 to support and encourage students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields to pursue higher-level mathematics.
Congratulations to our 2023 Sigma Scholarship recipients:
Abou Bakar Berthe
STEM field: Mining Engineering
2023-24: Clark College
Oliver Rosas
STEM field: Civil Engineering
2023-24: Clark College
Spencer Henwood
STEM field: Computer Science
2023-24: Portland State University
Isaac Osorio Beltran
STEM field: Computer Science or Engineering
2023-24: Clark College
Post and photos contributed by Kayoko Barnhill
April 20 is PenguinsGive and Sakura Festival
Submitted by Clark College Foundation
PenguinsGive, Clark College’s 24-hour fundraising event, is Thursday, April 20. In celebration of Clark College celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, all Clark College and Clark College Foundation employees and retirees are challenged to “Give $90.” Join the members of the O Squad, your employee giving committee and give $90 to support Clark students.
PenguinsGive at Sakura Festival
If you’re attending the Sakura Festival on Thursday, on your way from the cherry trees to Gaiser Hall, get a FREE coffee or smoothie at the IQ Credit Union cart from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and make your donation.
At the Foundation’s table, members of the O Squad will visit with faculty and staff about contributing during PenguinsGive and students can write thank-you notes to donors.
The annual Sakura Festival returns to the Clark College main campus on Thursday, April 20 beginning at 1 p.m. The free community event underneath a canopy of cherry blossoms is presented by Clark College, the city of Vancouver and Vancouver Rotary.
$15k Available for Matching Gifts
Join colleagues in supporting Penguin Nation. Thanks to generous donors, gifts of any amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar. More than $15,000 is available to double donations. For example, a $50 gift to student scholarships becomes $100; a $90 donation to STEM programs becomes $180; $150 to the Music program becomes $300, thanks to some generous donors.
