On May 20, Clark College welcomed acclaimed author and policy expert Heather McGhee for a powerful conversation about equity, opportunity, and the cost of systemic racism in America. Drawing from her best-selling book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, McGhee urged the audience to recognize this moment as a national inflection point—and to take collective action toward building and shaping a more inclusive future. 

With a strong background in economic policy, McGhee focused on pressing interconnected issues such as the affordability of education, poverty, healthcare, and sustainable energy solutions. “When I set out on this journey to write The Sum of Us, I was thinking about the present and the future. How much you can’t really understand where you are, standing in a moment, unless you understand the steps that you took to get to a place.” 

Zero-sum game 

McGhee goes back to the historic Bacon’s Rebellion in 1793 because the laws that followed the defeat of Bacon’s Rebellion created a zero-sum story. “These laws told the colonial plantation elite that the European landless and indentured folks that ‘your freedom, your citizenship, your process and your humanity is contingent on there being someone beneath you.’ And if they rise, it is a threat to you.”  

The idea of a zero-sum game is that there can be no mutual progress—if one player scores a point, the other player loses a point.  

McGhee explained that we need to have all the players scoring on the team, “You want all of the players on the field scoring points for your team, where inequality is actually bad for growth. Right?” 

“It is one of the loudest and oldest stories in America… that progress of people of color has to come at the expense of white folks.” She explained how these narratives foster division and hinders collective progress, pointing out that “the black-white economic divide has cost the U.S. GDP $16 trillion over the last 20 years.”  

McGhee’s call to action 

McGhee called for unity across diverse backgrounds, urging individuals to challenge this divisive narrative. “We need to organize in a way that is explicitly cross-racial,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual progress in overcoming systemic barriers.  

Community engagement emerged as another vital theme in McGhee’s address. She noted, “Every scholar of authoritarianism has observed that… being in regular contact with other people is an essential part of the formula that defeats autocracy.” This statement highlights the significance of interpersonal connections and support networks, particularly following the social isolation exacerbated by the pandemic. 

Drawing inspiration from historical movements, particularly the civil rights movement, McGhee reminded the audience of the resilience demonstrated by those who came before us. She asserted, “The first generation to defeat American fascism was the abolition generation,” drawing parallels between past struggles and the current fight for justice and equality. McGhee encouraged her audience not to lose hope, stating, “They kept fighting. They kept teaching their children to fight,” inspiring listeners to continue advocating for change. 

In conclusion, McGhee’s reminds us of the responsibilities we hold as individuals and as a community. “You don’t have to do it all the time… but there will come a moment when you have a choice to make,” she concluded, encouraging everyone to be prepared to speak up and stand for justice when the opportunity arises. 

Q&A with Dr. Edwards and the audience 

Following her speech, Heather McGhee engaged in a Q&A with President Dr. Karin Edwards and then opened it to the audience for questions. Topics included: environmental racism, psychological and emotional costs of racism, and truth and reconciliation. 

McGhee explained how the exploitation of natural resources mirrors the historical exploitation rooted in chattel slavery. She stated, “The very orientation that our industrialized capitalist society has towards the Earth comes from the same willingness to exploit.” She elaborated on this by discussing “sacrifice zones,” areas where pollution is concentrated due to a lack of political power to resist industrial developments. McGhee highlighted a grassroots effort in Memphis, where a diverse coalition successfully fought against a natural gas pipeline that threatened both the local Black community and a vital aquifer, demonstrating how environmental issues can unite disparate groups. 

McGhee pointed out that while many have made strides in education and business, systemic barriers remain. She cited research showing that “the average Black college graduate has less household wealth than the average white high school dropout,” illustrating the deep-rooted economic disparities that perpetuate inequality. McGhee emphasized that racism affects everyone, not just marginalized communities, and that its economic impact extends widely. 

McGhee advocated for a collective effort to acknowledge the nation’s complex racial history, emphasizing the need for organized healing processes across communities. She noted that many societies have successfully navigated their traumas through similar processes, and she called for educational reforms that accurately portray America’s past, stating, “Our country should know our own dark history, and we shouldn’t be lied to in our textbooks.” 

Susan Parrish (right), retired Clark College staff writer, was in the audience. Susan’s story was featured in The Sum of Us. When Susan was interviewed in 2018, she was recently divorced, laid off from her communications job, had two months to sell her house when the real estate market was at its lowest in decades, and she wasn’t making a living wage. Three years later, she found her story among the many others who shared how they’d lost so much during the Great Recession. 

 

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Attendees also raised questions about personal experiences with racism and strategies for fostering dialogue across divides. McGhee emphasized the importance of finding common ground and shared values, encouraging individuals to approach conversations with empathy and a willingness to listen. She acknowledged the challenges of discussing sensitive topics within families and communities, but asserted that doing so is crucial for progress. 

In closing, McGhee reiterated the importance of solidarity, particularly for vulnerable communities, urging everyone to recognize the humanity of immigrant communities who seek a better life in the U.S. “The most powerful people in the world profit from their exploitation and from a fear of one another,” she remarked, underscoring the need for collective action to uplift marginalized voices and confront systemic inequities. 

Learn more  

• Heather McGhee’s website here  
• Book discussion guide here  
• Young readers’ edition here  
• The Sum of Us podcast is produced by the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground, and Futuro Studios. Listen here.  
• The Sum of Us book is available for purchase at the Clark College Bookstore 
• Link to Susan Parrish’s HuffPost story about her wild life of living tiny in rural Eastern Oregon here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/truth-tiny-home-living_n_5b6dd1cde4b0ae3I think 2af97f3d3

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College Entry Services and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion welcomed approximately 160 students from local high schools to the annual Discovering College Confidence event on March 11. This annual event provides opportunities for BIPOC high school students to participate in a series of activities meant to:  

• Address the excitements and fears around college  
• Explore pathways and supports available in the college environment  
• Discover how embracing your identity can enhance your college experience 

The day kicked off with a powerful keynote from Clark College alumna Esmeralda “Vita” Blanco, who shared her inspiring academic journey from high school diploma to higher education success. Students then participated in interactive workshops, engaging activities, and prize giveaways—all designed to help them envision a future in higher education.  

The event’s workshops included:  

• Navigating Financial Aid & Scholarships with Confidence  
• Your Well-Being, Your Power: Taking Charge of your Mental & Physical Health  
• Empower Your Voice: Choosing Careers That Align with Your Values  
• Success in College: Learning Your Voice  
• Running Start: Own Your Voice, Own Your Future  

Participating schools in Clark County included Battle Ground, Evergreen, Fort Vancouver, Henrietta Lacks, Heritage, Hockinson, Hudson’s Bay, Mountain View, Prairie and Union high schools. 

Keynote Address  

Vita Blanco, a Latina, single mom, and woman of faith addressed the high school audience with her academic story that started at Clark College as an adult student in the high school diploma program, continuing for an associate of applied science degree, then transferring to Washington State University Vancouver to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Here are excerpts from Blanco’s address: 

“On my third day [at Clark College]…I shared with Sam [May-Varas], ‘I’m not returning tomorrow. Thank you so much.’ And that was such a pivotal moment because I was able to be open and real—even though I didn’t want to, and I was very ashamed, and that I didn’t know how to do the homework. He sat with me, he told me that he believed in me, and that what I did in that homework was the reason why I needed to be here…It took just one teacher, one person to believe in me, in the classroom…I knew that I was supposed to be here.”  

“I had a high school GPA of 1.7. I was a dropout. Fast forward to when I graduated with my high school diploma with a 4.0—but better yet, I was able to help my youngest daughter. She asked me the week before I was going to graduate. ‘Mom, will you help me with my eighth-grade essay,’ and for the first time, I was able to show up for her and help her with her homework. That was such a joy to remember.”  

Blanco continued studying at Clark College and worked as a Student Ambassador. In 2019 she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration and was awarded the Community College Presidents’ Scholarship to attend Washington State University Vancouver. Read her story here.  

She said, “I started that fall…to get my undergraduate degree—I thought, yes, I learned everything at Clark College, but I had learned in a few months in that I had imposter syndrome. I thought, ‘man, this is hard, this is harder than I thought,’ but I began to persevere as I learned about imposter syndrome. Maybe it was some of my voices of upbringing, my community, my voices inside of me, and not feeling that I belong there. But I kept showing up.”  

“I believe that Clark College has really, really been able to help me overcome those fears and doubts and barriers that I faced.”  

Blanco ended her speech by asking the audience to stand up.   

“Stand up because your worth being seen and heard.… your story matters, your voice matters, you matter, and your work is being seen and heard.”  

After graduating from Washington State University Vancouver with a bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communication, where Blanco served as student body president, she is now working for a local dentist managing a team of employees. She credits her time as a Student Ambassador working under Amy Tam as valuable experience.   

“Amy [Tam] was my boss, and it was the grace that she showed me over and over again that I thought, what am I doing? How I’m showing up, I don’t even know what I’m doing. And it was pretty amazing. I knew I knew how to help and love people, but she showed me grace over and over and that grace today still just reminds me how to show grace to others.”    

Schools can contact the Welcome Center at start@clark.edu to learn about future events, inquire about campus tours, and how to get started at Clark College.  

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Students gathered in the Penguin Student Lounge on January 14 for the Winter Queer Luncheon, an event designed to foster community, connection, and belonging. This term’s guest speaker, Caitlin Malvar (they/them), didn’t come alone—they were joined by their therapy dog, Oso, who has become somewhat of a Clark College celebrity.

Malvar, the Basic Needs Navigator in Clark’s new Basic Needs Hub, delivered an address titled “Be Where Your Feet Are.” Hosted each term by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the free luncheon provides a welcoming space for queer students and allies to come together.

About Caitlin Malvar

Growing up with two supportive and competitive parents who had played collegiate sports, Malvar’s life centered around playing basketball—including playing in high school and collegiate basketball at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

But then the pandemic hit. All activities—including basketball—paused. Eventually, when activities slowly started up, Malvar left the team. They earned a master’s degree during COVID. Instead of a joyful commencement ceremony surrounded by classmates, family, and friends, they sat at a laptop and watched their name scroll down the screen.

Words of wisdom from Caitlin

• “Like all of you, COVID gave me downtime to reflect on what was important to me moving forward. After I graduated with my master’s degree, it was the first time that my life wasn’t planned by a basketball coach. I kept getting hung up on the idea that I have lived, breathed, and bled basketball for the last fifteen years of my life. How the hell would I do anything else? Am I anything else?”

• “Then I remembered I was a whole human being before basketball. Sure, my parents taught me to work hard, dedicate myself to my sports, and to win. With time and space to remember who I was before basketball, I remembered they also encouraged me to try new things, to appreciate the outdoors, to learn how to cook from scratch, and to be a great friend.”

• “During the next year, these were going to be the things I was intentional about reincorporating into my life.

With parental pressure to get a real-world job, Malvar decided that rather than move back home to Portland, Oregon to find work, they would stay in Flagstaff, a small city in the northern Arizona mountains. They got a barista job in a small coffee shop.

Malvar said, “In many ways, this small coffee shop gave me my life back.” Then they recited a long list of how their first post-college job impacted their life:

“What could have just been coffee turned out to be…

• Meeting people who would reignite my love for camping.
• Finding my first queer community.
• Trading lattes for freshly harvested vegetables to cook with.
• Discovering my furry best friend, Oso.
• Embracing creativity in new ways
• Mastering the art of pizza-making
• Learning how to live off the grid.
• Meeting the love of my life
• Finding friends who would visit us in Oregon, after we moved away.”

Malvar said, “Even now, I continue to learn that life is not a race. Life is not a competition. Life is not a game that you can win or lose.” And here’s a list of their lessons learned:

“For me, this life is about …

• Building a home with those that I love and trust.
• Gathering friends around a table, sharing endless bowls of soup.
• Learning how to make things with my hands.
• Taking Oso on new adventures so he can have new dreams.
• Embracing my queer self – loving who I am and who I am becoming.
• Becoming more than I ever imagined. And in so many ways, it feels like it’s only just starting.”

Malvar said, “Slowing down and being where my feet were was the single most important thing I did when I finished school.”

Then Malvar invited everyone to visit Oso and them in the Basic Needs Hub.

Learn more about the Basic Needs Hub:

Located at Gaiser Hall GHL 216Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: 360-992-2766 or email  basicneeds@clark.edu

• Basic Needs Hub Opens
• Why Basic Needs are Essential by Dr. Edwards

Connect with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI):

• Diversity Center, Gaiser Hall 214
• 360-992-2292 or email: diversity@clark.edu
• www.clark.edu/cc/diversity

Save the Date: Next DEI luncheons

• February 6 at noon: Students of Color Luncheon in PUB 161
• March 6 at noon: Students with Disability Luncheon in PUB 161

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College, in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, has selected an artist for the Advanced Manufacturing Building for its Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield, Washington. After a call for artist submissions, the Clark College Art Selection committee selected emerging artist, Sarah Folden to lead a group of artists to create public art for the new campus, expected to open in Fall 2025. 

Clark College President, Dr. Karin Edwards, said, “We are excited that Sarah Folden will be leading a group of talented, Native American artists in creating public art for this building at Clark College at Boschma Farms. I look forward to seeing their art come to life on our new campus.” 

“To say this project could be life changing for me would be an understatement,” said Folden. “More importantly, it would be life changing to the other young lives I connect with and simply an honor to help reflect the college’s partnership with my tribe on this project for the Boschma Farms campus.” 

The committee also has engaged artist and curator RYAN! Feddersen to curate existing artworks to purchase for the building in addition to work that will be created specifically for the space. 

Clark College at Boschma Farms will be similar to the college’s other auxiliary campuses at Columbia Tech Center and Washington State University Vancouver. Clark College at Boschma Farms will offer a variety of programs to serve the community and equip students to complete a program at Clark College and be workforce ready. Eventually, the campus is expected to include classrooms, professional labs, offices, study areas, services and support spaces. Construction of the 48,000 square-foot building will begin June 2023 and is projected to be completed by Winter 2024. Classes are projected to start in Fall 2025. 

About the artists and curator: 

Sarah Folden, a Cowlitz tribal member, creates art inspired by her heritage and ancestral connection to place. Folden’s work is both traditional and contemporary, integrating many mediums and carved block printmaking. After a career in tribal fisheries, she became a self-taught artist who learned Coast Salish design from accomplished indigenous artists Peter Boome and Brian Perry. 

Folden’s public art can be seen in a 26-foot Coast Salish mural at the ferry landing terminal on Orcas Island. Folden has worked on three high school mascot redesigns recently in a Coast Salish style. She is currently illustrating an indigenous foods book, designing multiple murals to be installed Summer of 2023 and has designed huge chandeliers inspired by native hand drums which will be displayed throughout the new ilani Resort Hotel that opened April 24, 2023. She also joined the Membership Board for Whipsmart, Washington State’s only trade association dedicated to supporting the creative community. Folden teaches art to native youth, and volunteers for public art groups supporting environmental and social causes. 

Corbin Jones, a Cowlitz tribal member, is a high school senior whose interests and areas of focus are natural resources and computer sciences. Corbin is studying 3D computer graphics, animation, and commercial art. They have recently found their first professional success in commercial art sales. As a neurodivergent person on the autism spectrum, Corbin has found their place supporting other youth with differences and organizes a weekly art and gaming club offering social opportunities to area kids. 

Brian Perry (Hopi-Cheelth), a Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member and artist with lineage in Quinault, Suquamish and Makah, learned traditional carving from his grandfather and uncles and became interested in Northwest Coast art when he took classes from David Boxley. He studied with Duane Pasco, Dave Franklin, and Eddie Charles. His work captures the essence of characters from traditional tribal stories. 

Perry transitioned from a 20-year career in fisheries to a successful public artist in 2014 when his small sketch turned into a significant sculpture at his tribe’s new hotel. Creating a scaled drawing and collaborating with a metal shop, Perry’s work became a 46-foot-tall steel sculpture. He has since created two 36-foot Salish sea-going canoes, a 12-foot house post and a 12-foot glass sculpture at the Burke Museum. https://www.northwestcoastalart.com/ 

RYAN! Feddersen’s (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) public artworks include Inhabitance for the Portland International Airport, Schema for CitizenM Pioneer Square, and Antecedents for the University of Washington. She has curated exhibitions for the Portland Art Muse, New Burke Museum, and Museum of Northwest Art and a collection of artwork for Kamiak Elementary School in Pullman, Washington. http://ryanfeddersen.com/about/ 

About Art in Public Places Program 

Washington State Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program (AIPP) purchases and cares for artworks in state buildings, colleges, universities, and schools throughout Washington. Its goal is to build and care for a state art collection that is impactful, accessible, valued, and reflects Washington’s diverse communities. Learn more about Washington State Arts Commission: https://www.arts.wa.gov/public-art/ 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, 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: 

Boschma Farms campus: https://www.clark.edu/cc/boschma
Clark College Art Selection committee: https://www.clark.edu/about/governance/public-disclosure-and-records/adminProcedures/800/807/index.php 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

About 50 people attended the welding department’s open house on the evening of April 28. Students and faculty were on hand to demonstrate welding techniques and to answer questions about the program.

Some high school students who visited the welding open house had attended the college’s CTE programs showcase event with their high schools on April 18. This event gave those students the opportunity to return with their parents to have a close-up look at Clark’s welding program. Professors gave informal tours, and current welding students provided hands-on welding practice and metal bending. Clark’s welding students also answered questions about their experiences studying welding at Clark.

The median hourly wage for a welder in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties is $23.49, and the median annual wage is $48,856, according to Washington Department of Employment Security Data Department/Data Division.

Clark College’s welding program offers five welding certificate programs and an Associate in Applied Technology degree in Welding Technologies, a two-year degree. Some welding courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students with daytime jobs.

Those interested in enrolling in welding are encouraged to begin the program in the summer, and start with blueprinting, a class that introduces students to the lab and program. This also gives the students an opportunity to get to know each other. Classes start the evening of July 10. To get started, contact the Welcome Center. Students who cannot start in the summer may start any term.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

On September 12, Clark College employees came together to celebrate the start of the 2022-23 academic year, with its first in-person Opening Day since 2019. President Edwards said that although she has been at Clark College for over 2 years, this was the first in-person opening day celebration, and she was loving it!

A video introducing executive cabinet members featured Chris Layfield driving each member around campus with Oswald (Clark College’s penguin mascot). They shared why they work at Clark College and even had a little fun sharing their favorite songs in a short sing-along with Chris and Oswald.

President Edwards presented the progress of the equity-centered strategic plan. To learn more about the process and where we are, visit: https://www.clark.edu/about/governance/strategic_plan/index.php

Based on the institutional priorities and the equity-centered strategic plan, the president’s work plan will guide her efforts into 2023. President Edwards also gave an update on Boschma Farms.

“We are very close to having the design of the building, which will house 5 general purpose classrooms, student support spaces, offices, conference rooms, and of course our advanced manufacturing, high bay area. The facility is smaller than we planned, but we’re still able to accommodate the courses and programs,” she shared.

A new initiative at the college, Clark Cares, was unveiled with a video (https://youtu.be/iPbuvj3ZIVs). It featured some of the things staff can and currently do to show our students we care about them and their Clark experience.

Brad Avakian, vice president of human resources, presented the years of service awards to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years by reading their names. Employees with service over 25 years were invited to come to the front to receive their certificates. All years of service awards also come with monetary compensation based on the number of years served.

The 30 Year employees honored were: Tina Barsotti, George Cole, Tracy Nehnevaj, Kristeen Nichols, and at 35 Years: Mark Owsley.

Exceptional Faculty Awards

The award honorees were announced at Commencement in June and were honored at Opening Day.

Kathrine Anastasi, libraries, was honored for her work at Larch Corrections to research, develop, and supply the best materials for their library.  

Dr. Amy Castellano, phlebotomy, was honored for her work in the classroom supporting and respecting students, her attention to the wellbeing of her students, and her commitment to students understanding the subjects she was teaching.   

Steven Clark, biology, was honored for his work in the classroom, creating deep interest in biology, openness to learn from his students, and acknowledging their work in meaningful ways.

Erielle Lamb, surveying & geomatics, was honored for her work in the classroom, letting students make mistakes, making complicated calculations fun and interesting, and sharing stories so that students could relate the schoolwork to their planned career. 

Luanne Lundberg, career & academic prep, honored for her work making math understandable even for students with learning disabilities, instilling confidence in her students that would break them out of poverty. She also developed a pathway from CAP to MTH in 2016. She was a co-leader in the collaboration with the math department to develop outcomes and curriculum and kept us student-focused.

Gail Robinson, English, was honored for the extra help she offers her students in and out of the classroom, building their confidence in writing and offering specific, concrete feedback so that her student’s writing skills can grow.

Annual Exceptional Classified Staff Awards

Chris Layfield receiving his award.

Chris Layfield, Admin Services Manager in Security and Safety, was honored for his service to all those who pass through the doors of Gaiser Hall, often guiding them physically to where they need to go or contacting a department or person they need to talk to. Students often have come back to the desk to comment on how Chris’ help is what made them stay at Clark. He has served on hiring committees, the Security and Safety Committee, and the Social Equity Committee and is a WPEA steward,

Jessica Sanders, Program Support Supervisor in Transitional Studies was honored for her work in supporting students and faculty. Her extensive knowledge of Transitional Studies, and providing supplies to students, and finding new ways to do this during the pandemic has been instrumental to students and colleagues. Her exemplary service to students who often speak English as a second language is done with respect and care. She supplies faculty with valuable recruitment and inclusion data to help them better serve their students.

Exceptional Administrative-Exempt Award

Alyssa Voyles, Associate Director of Employee Equity, Outreach, and Engagement in the Office of Diversity and Equity, was honored for her work in coordinating events, stepping in to help the ODEI team, adding new workshops, supporting others through co-facilitating of workshops, and her dedication to equity. She also has been instrumental in working beyond her team by stepping in as interim director of communications in Communications and Marketing, serving on the Boschma Farms team, and helping staff form Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to help build a stronger community and sense of belonging to Clark College

Lora Whitfield Social Equity Award

Christina Smith and Cydney Topping worked together to create and co-lead the Anti-Racism Faculty Learning Community (FLC) in the English Department. This FLC is based on cutting-edge research on anti-racism and culturally responsive teaching. Their research, conducted in the Fall term and implemented in Winter and Spring, is at the highest levels of data-informed education. 

While faculty are the intended recipients of this service they provide, students will be the true beneficiaries. In following their leads, implementing the strategies they are sharing, and continuing our own growth as faculty, the field of English Studies, including rhetoric and composition, will overcome centuries of implicit bias and colonial mindset that faculty in English have felt duty bound to uphold in the service of other programs, despite our qualms about the inequities of “Standard Written English” as a marker of academic achievement. 

Opening Day at Clark

The event included refreshments provided by iQ Credit Union, Welcome Week shirts, Clark Cares buttons, and information from the “O Squad.” Additionally, there was an opportunity to have employee photos taken and visit with colleagues. The Clark College Foundation also provided lunch from Big Town Hero and Kona Ice at the Anderson Fountain.

Opening Day is part of a multi-day orientation and training for faculty organized by the Clark College Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). The Keynote address was given on Tuesday, September 13, by Melissa Williams, Policy Associate/ Interim Director for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Clark College alumnus.

Photos: Jenny Shadley/Clark College
More photos from this event can be found on Flickr.

Clark College honored its 86th graduating class at the 2022 Clark College Commencement ceremony held Thursday evening, June 16, at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater. The college conferred over 1,900 degrees and certificates for the next generation of our community’s workers, leaders, and scholars.  

The ceremony featured remarks written by President Dr. Karin Edwards and focused on the power of persistence and resilience, “It’s the power of persistence that builds resiliency. It’s a power that assures you can overcome any challenge.”  

Highlights from this year’s ceremony include:  

• Approximately 550 of the college’s 1,965 graduates participated in the commencement ceremony. 
• This year’s graduating class included 319 Running Start graduates.  
• The college conferred its first Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity degrees at the ceremony. This comes on the heels of announcing its 5th BAS degree program, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education.  
• The ceremony honored students graduating with bachelor’s or associate degrees and those earning certificates, high school diplomas, and/or GED completion.  
• During the ceremony, Vice President of Instruction Paul Wickline announced the recipients of the 2022 Exceptional Faculty Awards: libraries professor Katy Anastasi; phlebotomy professor Dr. Amy Castellano; biology professor Steven Clark; surveying and geomatics professor Erielle Lamb; and English professor Gail Robinson.
• The student speaker was Associate of Arts degree recipient Alex Reid.  

2021-2022 Community College Presidents’ Award

Graduate Madelyn Hennerty was the recipient of the 2021-2022 Community College Presidents’ Award in Honor of Val Ogden. This annual scholarship is given to a Clark College graduate who demonstrates leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and academic achievement. The scholarship award provides full-time tuition at Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV) and is renewable for one additional year, essentially providing full tuition to complete a bachelor’s degree. Hennerty is an excellent example of the resiliency and tenacity of first-generation college degree earners. She worked throughout high school to help support her family and eventually saved enough to pay for her first year of tuition at Clark College.  

Photographs

Video of the Ceremony

The Tod & Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute will boast an artisanal bakery, barista station, and comfortable seating.

On May 16 and 17, faculty from Clark College’s new Cuisine Management and Baking and Pastry Arts programs answered questions from the college community about how those programs would affect Clark when they re-opened in fall 2017.

Clark’s Culinary Arts – Cooking/Restaurant Management program was put on hiatus in 2013 in order to modernize the curriculum and facilities. The Culinary Arts – Baking/Bakery Management program was put on hiatus in 2015, when it was determined that the program could not continue running while the culinary facilities were being remodeled. Thanks to fundraising efforts by Clark College Foundation, the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute will open in fall 2017, housing both programs as well as dining facilities for the main campus.

Sneak peek inside the McClaskey Culinary Institute during construction, showing the windows that will look into the baking and chocolate-production kitchens.

While existing in approximately the same location on the north side of Gaiser Hall, the new dining space will bear little resemblance to the old college cafeteria. It will feature comfortable seating, plenty of natural light from tall windows, and internal windows that look onto the Baking and Pastry Arts kitchens. Four food kiosks will serve patrons: a grab-and-go kiosk; Pacific Northwest cuisine; international fare; and a kiosk serving rotating cook-to-order items based on seasonality and curriculum that can also be used for guest chefs and lectures. Additionally, a retail bakery will serve all the treats and breads that patrons remember (plus some fun new ones) as well as coffee and espresso. Bakery students will be learning barista techniques in their curriculum, and faculty are currently working with local coffee roasters to possibly create a custom Clark College blend.

Because the dining facilities’ staff will include work-study students and a full-time manager, the kiosks will be able to serve customers during breaks and evenings, instead of adhering to the limited hours of the old cafeteria.

A full-service restaurant run by second-year Cuisine Management students will open in 2018. Faculty shared that, in addition to working with farmers to source food locally when possible, the institute will offer special seasonally themed foods and international cuisine.

The east side of the dining area will feature large windows and space for outdoor seating. 

The kitchen side of the facility is also being significantly re-imagined and modernized to improve efficiency and to give students a better understanding of modern work environments in their fields. The new facilities were designed with significant input from the faculty and staff who will be working in them, including Bakery and Pastry Arts professor Alison Dolder, Cuisine lead instructor Earl Frederick, Cuisine professor Aaron Guerra, and Cuisine instructor Daryl Oest.

During one of the open forums, Dolder said that she is already exploring options for partnering with the Penguin Pantry, an on-campus food pantry scheduled to open this summer to serve food-insecure students. A similar idea on the table is to create a “pay it forward” system where patrons could pay for vouchers for drinks and snacks that could be distributed to students through the Penguin Pantry—something that will be much easier to do since the new dining area, unlike the old cafeteria, will be fully computerized and able to accept credit cards.

Employee climate surveys have routinely registered dissatisfaction with the dining options on campus. Genevieve Howard, Dean of Workforce, Professional and Technical Education, said that the McClaskey Institute would provide the campus with the food service employees have been asking for. “We heard you loud and clear,” she said.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Architectural drawing: Yost Grube Hall

On May 16, the Archer Gallery was filled with visitors to the opening of the 2017 Art Student Annual Exhibition. This yearly event showcases the best artwork produced by Clark art students in the past academic year. Students compete not only for a spot in the show, but also for awards sponsored by local businesses and organizations. This year’s outside juror was Karl Burkheimer, head of the Master of Fine Arts program at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Awards are listed below.

The exhibition is on display through June 16. The Archer Gallery is open 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and noon to 5:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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• Best in Show, sponsored by Blick Art Materials
  Ana Stoumbos, Figure Study, oil on paper
• Most Ambitious, sponsored by Portland Institute for Contemporary Art
  Meakia Blake, Connect, video
• Solo Show Award, sponsored by Niche Wine Bar
  Matt Harmon, Marsyes V. Apollo: Diana, oil on canvas
• Best Painting or Drawing, sponsored by Clark Bookstore and Dengerink Art Supply
  Leah Adams, A Netherhole, oil on canvas
• 2nd Place Award, Painting or Drawing, sponsored by Clark Bookstore and Blick Art Materials
  Ray Bennett, Self-portrait in Ink, ink on paper
• 3rd Place Award, Paiting or Drawing sponsored by Clark Bookstore
  Julie Foley, Zelda Series, metal
• Best Video or Time-based Art, sponsored by Artist & Craftsman Supply
  Ana Stoumbos, Transit, video
• 2nd place Video or Time-based Art, sponsored by Collage Art and Craft Supplies
  Jonno Heyne, Paradoxial Adventures of Grayman II, ink marker and digital graphics
• Best Graphic Arts, sponsored by the Art Gym at Marylhurst University
  Tricia Davis-Payne, Do You Know, digital illustration
• Best Welded Sculpture, sponsored by Clark Welding Department
  Marie Perrin Ogier, Untitled, metal
• Best Photography, sponsored by Pro Photo Supply
  Isiah Huntington, Expansivity, digital photograph
• Newspace Scholarship Award, sponsored by Newspace Center for Photography
  Jennifer Avens, Omnia Mors Aequat, silver gelatin print
• 2nd Place Photography Award, sponsored by Pro Photo Supply
  Dayna Bojanowski, Under, digital photograph
• 3rd Place Photography Award, sponsored by Blue Moon Camera
  Matthew Philbrook, Forgotten, black and white photograph
• Blue Sky Membership Award, sponsored by Blue Sky, the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts
  Kelly Pearce, Pieces of Home, photographs
• Best Ceramic Art, sponsored by Clay Art Center
  Lauren Duquette, Blue Pitcher, ceramic
• 2nd Place Ceramic Art, sponsored by Georgie’s Ceramics and Clay
  Aleks Dernovoy, Mechanical Tulip, ceramic
• 3rd place Ceramic Art, sponsored by Georgie’s Ceramics and Clay
  Stephani Ueltschi, Pressure, ceramic
• 4th place Ceramic Art, sponsored by Georgie’s Ceramics and Clay
  Colton Rasanen, Planter, ceramic

Photography by Clark College/Jenny Shadley. More photos on our Flickr page.

On May 1, members of the Clark community gathered in Gaiser Student Center to celebrate the college’s newest tenured faculty members. Dr. Lindsay Christopher (English), Michael Ludwig (dental hygiene), Brian McVay (welding), Alexis Nelson (English), Tobias Peterson (English), Mary Ellen Pierce (nursing), and Lora Whitfield (early childhood education) were all granted tenure during the Clark College Board of Trustees meeting on March 14. The event also provided occasion to celebrate two new deans. Dr. Brenda Walstead and Jim Wilkins-Luton had been serving as interim deans of Business and Health Occupations and Transitional Studies, English, Communications and Humanities, respectively, but were recently appointed to those positions in a permanent capacity.

2017 Tenured Faculty

Michael Ludwig, Alexis Nelson, Brian McVay, Lora Whitfield, Toby Peterson, Mary Ellen Pierce, and Dr. Lindsay Christopher.

Tenured Faculty Reception

Tenured Faculty Reception

Miles Jackson and Lora Whitfield

Tenured Faculty Reception

Genevieve Howard and Brian McVay.

Tenured Faculty Reception

Michael Ludwig, Breda Walstead, and Mary Ellen Pierce

Tenured Faculty Reception

Jim Wilkins-Luton, Alexis Nelson, Dr. Lindsay Christopher, and Toby Peterson

Tenured Faculty Reception

Signing congratulations cards for the newly tenured faculty

Tenured Faculty Reception

Jack Burkman, Michael Ludwig, Alexis Nelson, Brian McVay, Lora Whitfield, Toby Peterson, Mary Ellen Pierce, Dr. Lindsay Christopher, and Dr. Tim Cook

To read more about the newly tenured faculty, read our article announcing their tenure. To see more photos of the event, visit our Flickr album.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley