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.
Beginning April 14, Clark College will be switching to ParkMobile for all metered parking spaces, replacing the traditional coin-operated parking meters. This change will apply to coin-operated metered parking spaces only. Faculty/Staff or Student parking spaces will not be affected.
The Clark College Facilities team is removing the old coin-operated meters and installing the new signage that provides a link to installing the ParkMobile app.
ParkMobile will provide Clark College with a modern, convenient, and user-friendly parking experience. The ParkMobile parking app is an innovative, easy-to-use mobile platform that allows you to pay online for parking, extend your parking time, and receive notifications when your parking is about to expire.
Questions? Call Clark College Security at 360-992-2133.
Key benefits of using the ParkMobile system:
Convenience: You can pay for parking from anywhere, at any time. No need for cash or coins.
User-friendly: The app is easy to use, with a simple, intuitive interface.
Flexibility: You can extend your parking time remotely, without having to return to the parking meter.
Notifications: You will receive notifications when your parking time is about to expire, giving you the opportunity to extend your time if needed.
Secure: The app uses advanced security measures to protect your personal and financial information.
Winter 2023 Quarterly Classified Staff Excellence Award
Congratulations to Manda (Jacqueline) Levie, Interim Unit Operations Manager, Social Sciences and Fine Arts, recipient of the 2023 Winter Quarter Classified Staff Excellence Award!
We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the other nominees.
Nominees:
Alberto Clara-Urbina – Information Security Admin, IT Services
Angela Childers – Program Support Supervisor, Disability Support Services
Angela Dawson – Nursing Program Support Supervisor, Nursing
Jeanette Steinmueller – Accounting and Business Tutor, Tutoring Services
Jillian Taylor-Valdez – Early Childhood Specialist, Child and Family Services
Katia Quintero – Student Success Coach, Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Lindsey McKim – Campus Security Officer, Security and Safety
Marla Derrick – Program Coordinator, Athletics
Tracy Eyler – Early Childhood Program Support Specialist, Child and Family Services
Vickie Malcolm – Custodian, Facilities Services
Manda (Jacqueline) Levie, Interim Unit Operations Manager, Social Sciences and Fine Arts
“Manda is accurate and precise, timely, and helpful in her written communication (emails, documents, phone messages). She consistently asks pertinent follow up questions and thinks through scenario options when making decisions and implementing actions.” – a staff member
Manda has been a valued Clark College employee since 2013.
She continually demonstrates competency in using Clark Campus software with her ability to find directions, tips, and workarounds for software issues (CTCLINK, Excel, etc.).
She’s always quick to recommend/refer questions she can’t answer to other competent individuals on campus. She’s developed relationships and knowledge about campus expertise, because of her volunteer and committee work, and because she’s taken a LOT of Clark courses from instructors in several disciplines.
Alberto Clara-Urbina, IT Services
“Just imagine, if there were more employees in the work-place like Alberto! Alberto goes above and beyond in many ways in his job. He is very detailed oriented and hardworking. He has a busy work schedule by default working in IT, and makes a priority to be available to discuss important compliance and regulatory items that need to be addressed. Alberto contacted Risk Management to bring a risk GAP to our attention, which, in itself, was not easy.” – a staff member
Alberto has been a valued Clark College employee since 2020.
A lot of our interaction deals with compliance. Alberto manages to maintain a positive attitude and a sense of humor, which can be challenging to do when faced with complexities of his job. It’s his willingness to work collaboratively that really enhances a positive work environment.
He’s respectful in asking questions to inquire to include other team members that might be impacted by policies and regulations. I enjoy collaborating with Alberto and I am grateful for him being a part of the Clark College Community!
Angela Childers, Disability Support Services
“Angela is motivated to provide excellent access to students with disabilities as she creatively finds ways to schedule in person sign language interpreters, interpreters for Zoom classes, live captioning, and more!” – a staff member
Angela has been a valued Clark College employee since 2017.
Angela works tirelessly to advocate on improving the pay for the interpreters so they make a fair wage to industry standards and our students can have quality ASL interpretation. Angela also brings a willingness to adjust practices, be flexible, and change the way we offer services to equitably meet the needs of both students and staff interpreters.
Works to provide interpreters to all open campus events during a national shortage of ASL interpreters, thereby fostering an inclusive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing members of campus and community.
Angela Dawson, Nursing
“Angela is highly organized, detail oriented and efficient. She is involved in almost every aspect of the program. She supports students, staff and faculty, and she does it so well, that sometimes you don’t even know what she is doing, you just know that everything is running smoothly.” – a faculty member
Angela has been a valued Clark College employee since 2016.
Angela has the best attitude. Although she has listened to my frustrations a time or two, she has a way about her that never lets you sink into unhealthy complaining. She is a model of true grace under pressure and is always happy to lend a hand.
She is a leading force in improving organization and record keeping for accreditation purposes. Overall, Angela is a wealth of knowledge. When you need to know something she is your go to person, and when she doesn’t know something, she knows where to direct you.
Cheryl Davenport, Library
“She works very hard to make sure that the library materials that are purchased for Clark students are added to the library catalog and easy discoverable by them. She also has a friendly demeanor that encourages colleagues to stop by, chat, and check in” – a faculty member
Cheryl has been a valued Clark College employee since 2000.
Books are not light and her willingness to use her strength to transport books home and back to the library shows her commitment to her work.
When Cheryl needs input from the librarians regarding the library catalog, she attends reference meetings to explain what she needs, listens to what librarians think and moves forward with our librarian input.
Jeanette Steinmueller, Tutoring Services
“Jeanette has created homework help guides for the entire accounting sequence to help students through every single quarter, through every curriculum and every publication change. She diligently updates and works through ALL of the homework and course series for each class so that she is prepared to support the students in each program.” – a staff member
Jeanette has been a valued Clark College employee since 1998.
Jeanette regularly finds text and programing errors in the materials and has worked with the instructors and publishers to get these issues corrected prior to classes beginning, reducing a great deal of frustration and stress for students and faculty.
One student, Justin Jenks, that graduated years ago, went on to WSU-V and is now gainfully employed in our own community was recently chosen by the Vancouver Business Journal as “Accomplished and Under 40” dedicated his award to Jeanette and stated during his speech, “There is one person who has been on my mind a lot today, it’s Jeanette Steinmueller. She was just such a huge influence on my life. Not just because I got a great job because I became an accountant, but because she advocated for my success. She was there early, she stayed late for me, and she was there for thousands of students.”
Jillian Taylor-Valdez, Child and Family Services
“She is very good at communicating with other coworkers and always tries to keep the communication open and honest.” – a staff member
Jillian has been a valued Clark College employee since 2020.
Jillian cares about equity and care for other coworkers.
Jillian has a positive attitude and is always inviting and welcoming to all.
Katia Quintero, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
“Katia is an outstanding coach and often goes the extra mile to support students, ODEI events and plays an instrumental role in helping to plan, implement and facilitate Noche de Familia” – a staff member
Katia has been a valued Clark College employee since 2022.
Katia is always demonstrating support for all students and is consistent with providing support for student groups that include students of color, queer and students with a disability. She is warm and welcoming to all students and is an advocate for Latinx students.
Katia works with many different departments on campus when working to support students. She walks students to departments, sits in appointments if the student requests, and communicates with others on campus to make sure the student is helped and is able to access the necessary resources.
Lindsey McKim, Security and Safety Services
“Lindsey McKim exceeds expectations in the role of Clark College Columbia Tech Center Campus Security Officer for the Department of Security & Safety Services. As a crucial entity here at CTC campus, Lindsey’s role adapts to change in a soothing and calm manner with ease. She also demonstrates that she works well under pressure with a positive attitude and is detail-oriented; especially when it comes to the safety of others. Lindsey goes beyond the call of duty by inquiring and following up on additional responsibilities. It has been a pleasure working with Lindsey. I feel safe coming to campus knowing that she is looking out for the safety of students, staff, and others.” – a staff member
Lindsey has been a valued Clark College employee since 2018.
She has made herself a valuable member of the Security/Safety Department, and Clark College. Lindsey’s “can do” attitude has made her someone that the campus community can rely on. Lindsey’s unwavering desire for self-reflection, and self-improvement, are unparalleled.
In 2022, Lindsey was one of two officers selected to represent Clark at a “Women in Law Enforcement” conference. Her primary contribution related to this conference was that she brought some of the lessons and important “takeaways” from the conference back to our department, so that her peers could take advantage of the education she received.
Marla Derrick, Athletics
“Marla goes above and beyond for the Athletic Department and Clark College students. She has practiced the Clark Care’s commitments during her entire career by regularly walking students or new coaches to offices around campus, greeting people on campus, and knowing students, staff, and community members by name” – a staff member
Marla has been a valued Clark College employee since 2008.
Marla’s known by Clark College athletes as the team mom because she cares that they succeed at Clark. She has been known to give food to students who need a snack and she takes the time to listen to them talk about their lives.
With all the time and care that Marla dedicates to the Athletic Department, it might be surprising that she also takes the time to be on campus committees, volunteer for things like ushering for the theatre department, and enjoys some fun times building bonds with the students by participating in intramural events like staff vs student softball or dodgeball games.
Tracy Eyler, Child and Family Studies
“Tracy is always looking for a way to improve her work and support others in their work. Her sense of team is exceptional. Through change, unknowns, being short staffed, navigating a pandemic, and being present on campus this entire time, Tracy has provided consistency and leadership in this role of program support”- a staff member
Tracy has been a valued Clark College employee since 2004.
Tracy has been in the front line of service at Child Family Services and has demonstrated professionalism, dedication, organization, and taking initiative to make sure processes were in the best interests of the program and for children.
Tracy covered shifts when there was no one available to fill in. With her program support team, she makes sure that schedules and classrooms are covered and has done this with reduced staffing.
Vickie Malcolm, Facilities Services
“Vickie always brings and friendly face early in the morning, when we are arriving to campus. She makes sure the rooms are clean and ready for classes.”- a staff member
Vickie has been a valued Clark College employee since 2007.
Vickie helps students find their lost and found items, helps students that are confused or lost in the hallways find classes, or finds someone to help them. This promotes a very positive building atmosphere. She is cheerful and helpful and that attitude is contagious.
Goes above and beyond her job of cleaning to also helping the students and staff, and greets people warmly.
