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.
Run with your Penguins
Tired but triumphant, Clark’s 30th annual Hood to Coast team poses at the finish line in 2016.
This addition to Employee News was submitted by Haley Tucker in Event Services.
Are you interested in running events outside of Clark? If so, we have created a Clark team with the below events. I hope you can join us.
Each of the 12 runners run 3 legs over the two-day event. Here is an info video to show you how fun this event is: https://youtu.be/1m_1Vm666bc
$266 per runner.
We are also looking for drivers of our two 12 passenger vans.
August 26-27, 2022
If you have any questions, or are interested in joining, please send Haley Tucker an email at htucker@clark.edu.
Dr. Edwards named Aspen Presidential Fellow
President Karin Edwards
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today announced that Dr. Karin Edwards, president of Clark College, is one of 25 leaders selected for the 2021-22 class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship. This program supports community college presidents in the early years of their tenure as they aim to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success. The Fellowship’s philanthropic partner is JPMorgan Chase.
The 25 Aspen Fellows, who lead colleges that collectively serve more than 280,000 students, were selected through a highly competitive process. Starting later this year, the Fellows will engage over nine months in residential sessions and virtual learning to develop strategies to meet their goals for student success and equity with data to assess challenges and progress.
“We continue to learn how the best community colleges improve outcomes for students and close persistent race- and income-based equity gaps,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “This year’s fellows have demonstrated their commitment to achieving excellent and equitable student outcomes, and we are eager to work with them as they join Aspen’s network of more than 100 fellows who serve as community college presidents.”
“I’m honored to join the 2021-2022 Aspen Institute New Presidents Fellowship, working with 24 other presidents nationwide to increase student success with a focus on equity and excellence here at Clark College and other campuses across the U.S.,” said Dr. Edwards. “This is a tremendous opportunity.”
As community colleges grapple with the impact of COVID and enrollment declines, turnover among presidents remains high. Aspen is committed to helping prepare the next generation of exceptionally capable and highly diverse leaders through its fellowship programs for new and rising presidents. This new class of Aspen Presidential Fellows is 48 percent female, and 64 percent are people of color. Located in 18 states, their institutions too are diverse, from a tribal college with fewer than 500 students to an urban college that educates more than 35,000 each year.
“Community colleges play a critical role in helping to prepare young adults and incumbent workers for in-demand jobs of the future,” said Monique Baptiste, Vice President and Head of Jobs & Skills for Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. “Ensuring that the leaders of these institutions are equipped with the support and training they need to develop equitable student success is an integral part of building capacity over the long-run. JPMorgan Chase is proud to partner with the Aspen Institute to build the next generation of exceptional college leaders as they work to advance the prosperity of the diverse communities and students they serve.”
JPMorgan Chase funds the Aspen Presidential Fellowship as part of New Skills at Work, a five-year, $350 million investment to prepare for the future of work and meet the growing demand for skilled workers, including support for community colleges and other pathways to great careers and economic mobility.
The 2021-22 Aspen New Presidents Fellows
Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State Community College (TN)
Seher Awan, Los Angeles Southwest College (CA)
Vincent Bowhay, Independence Community College (KS)
J.B. Buxton, Durham Technical Community College (NC)
Karin Edwards, Clark College (WA)
Angélica Garcia, Berkeley City College (CA)
Veronica Garcia, Northeast Lakeview College (TX)
Tracy Hartzler, Central New Mexico Community College (NM)
Greg Hodges, Patrick Henry Community College (VA)
Stephanie Kashima, West Valley College (CA)
Georgia Lorenz, Seminole State College of Florida (FL)
Kimberlee Messina, Spokane Falls Community College (WA)
Rachel Pokrandt, Umpqua Community College (OR)
Christy Ponce, Temple College (TX)
Omid Pourzanjani, San Joaquin Delta College (CA)
Monte Randall, College of the Muscogee Nation (OK)
Anton Reece, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (KY)
Ángel Reyna, Madera Community College (CA)
Claudia Schrader, CUNY Kingsborough Community College (NY)
Ricky Shabazz, San Diego City College (CA)
Ron Slinger, Miles Community College (MT)
Willie E. Smith, Baton Rouge Community College (LA)
Russell Swagger, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College (WI)
Justina Wilhelm, Iḷisaġvik College (AK)
Jermaine Williams, Nassau Community College (NY)
Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college. Learn more at www.clark.edu.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices and leadership strategies that significantly improve student outcomes. Through the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, and other initiatives, the College Excellence Program works to improve colleges’ understanding and capacity to teach and graduate students, especially the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses. For more information, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org and follow us on Twitter at @AspenHigherEd.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.
About JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
From the Board of Trustees: Remembering Jane Jacobsen
Jane Jacobsen addressing the Class of 2019 at Commencement.
Dear College Community,
As members of the Board of Trustees, we want to add our voices to the many who are expressing sorrow at the passing of our fellow Trustee, Jane Jacobsen.
Those who knew Jane will remember her warmth, her kindness, and her seemingly limitless capacity for positive energy. Jane would show up with fresh baked shortbread cookies just because she was thinking of us. Whenever there was a college event, you could count on Jane to be in attendance, joyfully participating in any activity offered. Whenever we had the opportunity to engage with students, Jane was the first to congratulate them on their successes and let them know she believed in their capacity to build better futures for themselves.
She also unwavering when it came to making difficult decisions. When there was critical work to be done, Jane would diligently roll up her sleeves and get to it.
Whatever your role at the college, you have probably been touched by Jane’s work. During her two terms as a trustee at Clark College, she served in many roles, including Board Chair from 2019 to 2020. She also served on the college’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee, Social Equity Advisory Council, Guided Pathways Committee, and as an alternate Legislative Action Committee Representative to the Washington State Association of College Trustees.
Perhaps what we will miss most about Jane is her foundational belief in the power of community. She was always there to remind us that whatever decisions we made about Clark College would have profound effects on the entire Southwest Washington region. The Clark College Board of Trustees commits to honoring Jane’s memory by holding her love for our community at the center of all we do.
It was a true honor and privilege to work with Jane. Her presence will be truly missed.
With loving memories,
Clark College Board of Trustees
Rekah Strong, Chair
Jeanne Bennett, Vice Chair
Cristhian A. Canseco Juarez
Paul Speer
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Students are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it may an unsafe situation for students who are targets of domestic violence. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the United States, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
While in remote operations, Clark College has amplified its online services for students who may be victims or witnesses of domestic violence. The Clark College Supports Survivors web page outlines the resources that are available for students.
“We continue to find ourselves engaged in vital conversations focused on the importance of acknowledging and effectively responding to sexual, gender-based, and intimate-partner violence and harassment,” said Cath Busha, Dean of Student Engagement. “In this spirit, we reaffirm our support of all survivors, as we explore new ways of creating a safer and more caring community that does not tolerate violence of any kind,especially as we learn and work remotely.”
At Clark College, employees are encouraged to make a report when they hear about situations a student may be involved in that includes domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or sexual misconduct. Students can also make a report on their own behalf. To report instances and access support, visit the Title IX reporting link.
Issues of domestic and dating violence are extremely serious and often difficult to discuss and report.
“When we play a role and speak out against harmful attitudes and actions, we all help reduce stigma and domestic/dating violence,” said Christina Longo, Director of Compliance at Clark College. “We must be dedicated to ending violence as a social problem, as we continue to support each individual student and community member in need of resources.”
Clark College believes all students deserve to be safe. They deserve to be respected and they deserve to be heard.
This article was written by Clark College Office of Student Affairs.
Winter 2020 Classified Excellence Award Recipient: Jennifer Stone
Jennifer Stone. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Stone
Congratulations to Jennifer Stone, recipient of the 2020 Winter Quarter Classified Staff Excellence Award.
As a Program Coordinator for Instructional Design/eLearning, Stone works hard to support the many events her program presents for Clark College and other SBCTC faculty. She is described as someone with strong communication skills that are inclusive, regardless of job or position or role at the college. “Her personal mission is to individualize experiences with kind, non-challenging intentions,” wrote a nominator. “She meets with others on campus, creating a personal connection with each individual. For example, when learning how to submit purchase requisitions, she walked across campus to introduce herself in person to the Purchasing department.”
Stone is also praised for promoting the work of eLearning and the value it brings to students, faculty, and the institution as a whole.
Faculty members shared the following experiences:
“I especially appreciate Jenny’s personal assistance when I am using the Canvas Lab to prepare my online courses each term. As soon as I sit down at a computer station, especially if the other eLearning instructional designers are busy helping others, she watches to make sure that the hardware and software I am using is working properly. If it is not going well, she works with me until all is functioning efficiently. I never have to ask, as Jenny expertly oversees this computer lab with a positive attitude and uplifting comments. From my encounters with Jenny Stone, she exemplifies the best in terms of her initiative, knowledge, cooperative attitude, and team spirit!”
“One time when I was coming in for help in setting something up in Canvas (this was probably the very first time I came for private help), Jenny not only welcomed me, but she remembered my name and spoke to me as if I were an insider to eLearning, right when I was feeling so much an outsider that I felt like I could never take myself seriously.”
“Jenny keeps track of what the other team members are doing and finds ways to be helpful in a very relevant way. If any of us are out or seemingly delayed, she double-checks to make sure all is well. Sometimes when people do this kind of thing, it feels like nagging. Jenny somehow makes it feel like we are cared for, and empowers us to move forward.”
“Jenny has elevated the Instructional Design Team with her professionalism, dedication, and resourcefulness. Here is an example: Jenny was always at my training sessions early getting to know the instructors, helping them get logged on, and getting comfortable with the technology. This was especially vital for new instructors who had many questions and oftentimes were unsure who to ask. Jenny would make phone calls and emails during the training session so that, by the end, she would have either an answer for them or a confirmed person to contact. This allowed new instructors to focus their time on their students and getting their classes prepared.”
Congratulations as well to the other Winter 2020 nominees:
Connie Anderson has provided quality and dependable Access and Reference services at Clark College Libraries for 10 years. As the Access Services Specialist who has managed the CTC iCommons, she has provided students and faculty with support, which has equipped them to obtain their educational and professional goals. She oversees the networked computers, laptops, and databases in the iCommons that provide access to services and resources. She always keeps library personnel updated on CTC operations. During the recent ctcLink transition, she advocated for increased staffing in the iCommons to make sure all students had access to troubleshooting assistance.
Other comments about Connie Anderson:
“Connie demonstrates natural leadership abilities and advocates for programming to support student learning including displays, accessible technologies, and staying late to assist in instructional sessions. She has a problem-solving-oriented approach to doing tasks and has a pleasant personality that attracts people who naturally follow her example.”
“Connie has been a fierce advocate for students at the Columbia Tech Center for more than 10 years. She has always been an employee and coworker you can count on. Connie works to ensure that everyone who walks through the doors of the iCommons feels welcome.”
“Her work habits are superior; she adheres to organization goals, is punctual, has excellent time management skills, and highly organized. Connie is an individual who sets a goal and gets the job done. Connie has been a great team player, working well with students, staff, and faculty. She possesses excellent people skills. Connie is able to form admirable relationships with diverse groups at Clark College and strives to understand and respect everyone’s viewpoints and opinions in the workplace. … She works with the right attitude, emanating enthusiasm, leaving a positive impression on students, staff, and faculty.”
Meleani Bates, Program Manager A, Career Services
Meleani Bates is said to be an extremely kind and understanding person whose mature and supportive attitude increases team functionality. Colleagues praise her for setting aside time to check in with each of her employees to ensure they’re happy in life, successful in their classes (in the case of student employees), if they need additional support in any way, and to provide opportunities for students to acquire skills needed for their future. She facilitates many Student Success Workshops on topics involving employment practices and internships. Most recently, she has developed “Identities at Work” to teach how to honor and embrace different identities in the workplace.
Other comments about Meleani Bates include:
“Meleani brings constant open-minded thinking to assist the department in increasing equitable practices; some ideas that are so fresh and outside-of-the-box and brings forth an opportunity to teach other perspectives not yet considered. She challenges the staff to be the best they can be and reach all students with its resources. Career Services and Clark College is so lucky to have her on board.”
“Meleani constantly shows incredible support and compassion to everyone who walks through her door–whether it be students, community members, staff, and faculty. The way she helps clients demonstrates a genuine care for the livelihood and success of them. She is willing to take on new things, despite her ever-growing pile of responsibilities with a “can do” attitude. No matter how busy she is, she’s always happy to help. She is never too busy to help anyone who walks through her office door and is easily-approachable and understanding. Meleani’s key phrase is, ‘How can I support you?’”
Peg Estes, Program Specialist 2, Credential Evaluations
Peg Estes is described as someone who shows initiative, positive spirit, adaptability, participation in college activities, and willingness to support not only students, but also the greater college community. She is also known as being highly knowledgeable and accurate in her work evaluating applications for program completion at Clark College. Described as “the rock of the Credentials Department,” Estes has been a key figure in the department’s switch to ctcLink—not just learning the new software herself, but teaching it to others in the department.
Other comments about Peg Estes include:
“I have worked with Peg for about four years now and I am grateful to work with such an outstanding employee. I have never witnessed such tireless dedication to doing a job and doing it exceptionally. She has supported other’s work without question, she has thoroughly examined policies and procedures to ensure best practice for employees and students alike, and she has done it all with a smile on her face. Her commitment and positive attitude throughout endless campus changes and stepping up during times of high turnover is a prime example of Peg’s exemplary work performance. She is creative and efficient in everything that she does. I am honored to work with her and I could not think of a more respected and deserving person to receive such an award. #teampeg.”
“Throughout continuous college changes, Peg has been unflinching in her forward-thinking and positive spirit. Credentialing work is endless; the deadlines are tight, and the stakes are very high. Peg can have stacks of work in front of her and yet she’s still the first in the office to pick up the phone to help a student out. She has always been very student-focused and I know I never have to worry about Peg giving insufficient or inaccurate guidance. Each students she works with gets exceptional individualized support. Peg displays an empathetic and understanding perspective, while still adhering to college and departmental policies and procedures. She is a great mentor to me and consistently shows leadership qualities in all that she does. She sets a positive example of how to delicately problem-solve with students under mounting daily tasks. I cannot say enough how happy and grateful I am that she is part of the Credentials team.”
“Peg has been so helpful to our office with all of the training that she has provided not only to new staff, but helping with the training of staff in new business processes in the new People Soft environment. She is always so patient, courteous and helpful even though she is constantly interrupted with questions both from within our department, and while assisting other departments. Peg goes above and beyond to help solve problems no matter how busy she is at that time. She always has such a positive attitude even during these trying times with having to learn a new computer system, learning new business processes and dealing with staffing shortages. Our office wouldn’t be so functional without Peg’s great knowledge of the department and the willingness to help others.”
Mira Olenin, Program Specialist 2, Financial Aid
Mira Olenin has worked in the Office of Financial Aid since 2004. During the office’s conversion to ctcLink, she served as a leader in helping manage the change to new software and processes.
Other comments about Mira Olenin:
“Mira does far more than what her job requires. She really stepped up when we converted to CTCLink. Whenever there was a question, Mira is there to help. This led to our entire department feeling more confident. Mira is always willing to help. She explains complex financial aid processes with patience. She is clearly an expert in her field, but still manages to explain it in a way anyone can understand. Great communication with staff and students.”
Amani Tovar-Brackett, Program Coordinator, Advising
While Amani Tovar-Brackett has been an Advising employee for just a few years, already she has gathered so much knowledge about her work that a nominator wrote, “She has an understanding of every system we work with, to such a level that it means [that] no matter what question someone might have about ctcLink, Insight, or anything obscure in our day-to-day duties, she will have an answer or a way to get an answer.”
Other comments about Amani Tovar-Brackett include:
“I have tears in my eyes as I think about how much Amani has done for the students here at Clark, the number of times that students have gone out of their way to thank her for her amazing efforts to aid them through anything and everything. … Oftentimes, when answering phone calls, I am told that people want to speak with Amani directly because of her wonderful character and helpful demeanor; other times people just love telling me how much they loved talking to her the last time they were here and how much she helped them. She is invaluable to the campus community and is one of the main reasons some students leave our offices feeling taken care of and pleased.”
“She functions to such a level that she could have multiple tasks to complete, but will always know what is going on and have her ears peeled to help anyone else, she always gets things done on time and is always able to teach others what she knows. … Even in the midst of troubling news or complicated technical matters and switch overs, Amani keeps her calm and cool and ensures everyone around her feels the same way.”
Jennifer Ward, Program Manager A, Planning & Effectiveness
Jennifer Ward has been instrumental in Clark College’s conversion to ctcLink. She currently leads the ctcLink Stabilization Advisory Committee, a group dedicated to identifying strategies to improve the transition to ctcLink (change management) and empowering people with the tools and information to learn to do their jobs differently. At the state level, she is serving on a group that is researching and pursuing alternatives for the continuing education platform within ctcLink. She is also working with a small team to redesign the ctcLink website to make it more useful for students and employees.
As part of her work, Ward has coordinated all of the ctcLink labs for faculty, staff, and students to provide assistance for navigation of the new system, a supportive environment to ask questions, and solution-oriented approaches to addressing problems. As she hosted open labs, she gathered feedback and then modified documentation as needed. To ensure that all members of the college community receive one-on-one support to navigate the new ctcLink system, Ward collaborates with subject-matter experts who have knowledge in specific areas, such as advisors and enrollment staff, to help in student labs, and ctcLink security administrators to help in employee labs. She ensures that labs are available outside of typical “business day” hours, and at CCW and CTC.
Other comments about Jennifer Ward:
“Jennifer takes pride in all of the work that she does. Her exemplary work performance is combined with her greatest strength—working with people. Whether it is one-on-one or with a group of people, Jennifer always does her best to provide people with the information they need to do their work. If Jennifer does not know the answer, she researches and contacts others until she understands the process and can provide that feedback.”
“When Enrollment Services did not have the resources to provide staff for open student labs, Jennifer coordinated with them to have staff available via Skype.”
“Jennifer Ward came up to assist me with fixing some of the issues that I was having and things are going much better. She really has a way with fixing the default issues that I was having!”
“Again, I appreciate all you have done, Jennifer, to organize, create and plan to communicate the upcoming registration labs.”
“Especially during the ctcLink GoLive, Jennifer maintained a positive, solutions-oriented approach to navigating the system. While recognizing the frustration of individuals, her positive attitude ensured that individuals felt that there was someone who was researching, advocating, and helping to find solutions to their problems.”
Let your Voice be Heard
ASCC President Evans Kaame
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
We the people of this college, community, and the nation have been impacted by the wave of horrific events of unrest sweeping across the nation, beginning with the COVID-19 global pandemic and now the tragic death of George Floyd in the hands of police officers–those who have sworn to protect and serve the community. As student leaders, we share your grief and uncertainties. Some of us are wondering, why are thousands of people protesting and expressing their concerns in different cities across the nation?
Therefore, LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD is the theme to explain the reasons for the protests and unpack the long history of injustices that the minorities have been experiencing.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that our political system has been less functioning to meet the demands of creating a just justice system which has resulted in an exponential increase in incarceration that restoration.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that the justice department needs absolute change and complete reformation to serve our society equitably.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that our history has been distorted to reflect the reality of our justice department.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that there has some reluctance in changing the policies that drive the police department’s priorities when they issue stops, searches, and arrests.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that injustices have been prone to the minorities due to unconscious biases, economic status, disproportionate representation, lack of adequate legal assistance, and the reinforcement of one race is superior and just than the other.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that a significant population of the minorities have been incarcerated.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that the Private Prison System in America is detrimentally impacting the lives of the minorities and those with less economic status.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, that we all as a society has been reluctant to acknowledge the existence of these impacts and take the responsibility to address them and be willing to create change from ourselves, to our families, communities, and the nation.
RACISM IS ALIVE
All Lives Matter Vs Black Lives Matter is not the issue but the reactions that are evidenced when injustices are done in the limelight over the Black people due to racism.
RACISM IS ALIVE when citizens who exercise their First Amendment protesting that BLACK LIVES MATTER are labeled as domestic terrorists.
RACISM IS ALIVE when it takes protestors to initiate the arrest of those who killed AhmaudArbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black people.
RACISM IS ALIVE when BLACK LIVES MATTER Protestors are threatened by the head of state to invoke the Insurrection Act because they don’t matter to the system.
RACISM IS ALIVE when minorities are perceived as a threat in the stores, streets, cities, etc.
RACISM IS ALIVE when people of color call for change and are perceived as radicals and troublemakers in our institutions.
RACISM IS ALIVE when one race is perceived as wrongdoers.
The roots of racism are historic and systemic; woven into the fabric of our country. As people of color, we experience racism in all its many forms. We want people to acknowledge it and be willing to talk about it, willing to make changes, so we, as one nation, can move forward.
AS SOMEONE WHO LEANS TOWARD HOPE, I strongly believe in humanity and in the conviction that racism is solvable. Our generation has seen the racial inequalities experienced in our society today—and now those who believe in change are stepping up to voice their quest for reformation. No single instrument can measure our progress toward ending racism. However, I assure you that you have the power and capability to influence others by doing what is just, right, and good for others. We have a long way to go, but we will get there.
We all possess the virtues of love, respect, and compassion–the determinants of our behavior in treating others. It is through love, respect, and compassion that people from different backgrounds are taking to the streets en masse across the country to demand justice for those who cannot. I believe in these virtues. Together, we can address these challenges. Together, we can create a society in which every individual feels they belong and have a place to exercise their inalienable rights and privileges enshrined in the Constitution.
