Sixteen nursing students from Clark College’s 149^th nursing cohort gathered with their loved ones on March 19 in the Gaiser Student Center to celebrate their achievement at the traditional pinning ceremony. These students earned their Associate of Arts in Nursing DTA/MRP during winter term, a significant milestone in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.

During the ceremony, Professor Nicholas Luisi presented the Clinical Excellence Award to one outstanding student. Before announcing the recipient, he told the graduates: “I am so proud of each of you. It’s been an honor to watch you grow in confidence.” He then announced that Kimberly Hoover was this year’s award recipient.

Faculty speaker Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki offered the new nurses advice including:

• You are never alone. Health care is teamwork.
• Ask questions. Stay curious.
• Prioritize self-care.
• You’ve been a support system for each other. As you enter your nursing career, find your support system.
• Success is relative. Celebrate it.
• Listen to your patients. Don’t forget that sometimes they are very scared.
• Remember your “WHY” – Remember why you worked so hard to become a nurse.

Class speakers Kristie Castle and Kim Hoover addressed their fellow students: “We are running on coffee, adrenaline, and sheer willpower. If we can handle nursing school, we can handle anything.”

Next, it was time for the pinning ceremony. In turn, each new nurse stood to be pinned by a special supporter who encouraged them over the finish line: spouses, partners, parents, siblings, children, and nursing professors crossed the stage to present a Clark College nursing pin to each new nurse.

After the new nurses had been pinned, they stood in unison and recited the nursing pledge — to uphold certain ethics and standards within their chosen profession.

The core principles of the nursing pledge are:

• Dedication to service: Nurses pledge to dedicate themselves to the nursing profession and to provide compassionate, skilled care to their patients.
•  Ethical conduct: The pledge emphasizes adhering to the code of ethics of the nursing profession and maintaining the confidentiality of their patients.
• Professional integrity: Nurses are committed to maintaining and elevating the standards of the profession.
• Patient-centered care: The pledge emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of their patients.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Nurses pledge to collaborate will all members of the healthcare team.

Nursing graduates have already applied for licensure in the state in which they want to work. They have one final step to earn an “RN” after their name. They must pass a rigorous exam, the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. It is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. 

Four nursing graduates on the stage have already taken the exam and passed.

Many of these nursing graduates shared their plans to continue their education and earn their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, or BSN at Washington State University Vancouver, Oregon Health & Science University, or Boise State University.

Several already have secured nursing jobs at a variety of Vancouver and Portland hospitals.

After the ceremony, nurses, their families, and supporters headed for the reception to celebrate with their loved ones. Although they have earned their degree Winter term, many students will participate in Clark College Commencement ceremony this year on June 18.

Congratulations to Clark’s 149^th Nursing cohort

Maria Arellano was pinned by her parents.
Plans: work in Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in the intensive care unit.

Danielle Carter was pinned by her son.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Washington State University Vancouver.

Kristie Castle was pinned by her husband and daughter.
Plans: work at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Joshua Dowdy was pinned by his girlfriend, Jennifer.
Plans: pursue continuing education in wound care.

Kaylee Elizabeth was pinned by her mother.
Plans: work in labor and delivery or a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Sarah Gish was pinned by her husband and her sister-in-law, a nurse in Tennessee.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Kim Hoover was pinned by her husband and her oldest daughter.
Plans: work at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center’s residency program; will complete her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Saharah Knittle was pinned by her husband.
Plans: work at Oregon Health & Sciences University.

Nukolai Kolobovnikov was pinned by Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki.
Plans: work in the ER at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland.

Kayla Lindsey was pinned by her father.
Plans: pursue her BSN at OHSU and work as a critical care nurse in an ICU.

Desiree MacPherson was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jenn McMillan was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Bridgett Moody was pinned by her husband.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Josie Olson was pinned by her parents and her sister.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jamie Perez was pinned by her husband as her three young children looked on.
Plans: pursue her BSN in the fall and work in labor and delivery.

James Vanover was pinned by his mother, Julie.
Plans: work on the PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center surgical floor.

Nursing Pledge

In full knowledge and understanding, I dedicate myself to the profession of nursing. I promise to provide compassionate care with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status. I will spare no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health.

I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of those within my care. I hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action, which may endanger life or death. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level, and work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse.

Learn more about Clark College’s nursing program here.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The anticipation was sky-high in the Clark College STEM Building on March 11. Engineering students gathered near the drop tower in the three-story foyer and waited.

“Doors closing,” announced a student with a clipboard. The countdown began: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”

All eyes turned upward.

Then—whoosh! A robotic lunar rover plummeted from three stories above. Gasps filled the air as its parachute deployed, sending the rover gliding gently toward the ground.

Now for the real test: Would it land in one piece? Could it navigate the terrain, scoop up moon rocks (a.k.a. plastic balls), and cross the finish line—all on its own power?

Every term, engineering professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu pose a real-world problem to their students and instruct them to design and build an object that solves the problem. Teams of students work together. At the end of each term, teams present their prototype to their peers, explaining their process and materials used. Finally, teams test their designs.

The Project Artemis Challenge

Engineering students were given this challenge during winter term:

Design an autonomous device that can withstand a three-story drop, collect as many gumballs as possible, and move to a designated end zone within the time limit.

Designed with NASA’s Project Artemis in mind, the purpose of this device is to collect geological samples from the moon’s surface.

To simulate landing on the moon, student engineers dropped their rovers from the STEM Building’s three-story drop tower. Most teams designed a parachute to slow the fall. If the vehicle survived the drop, its mission was to pick up as many gumballs as possible (simulating moon rocks) and cross the finish line—without human intervention.

Professor Carol Hsu said, “This project is particularly challenging as it requires withstanding a drop before completing a task. However, students consistently rise to the challenge and gain invaluable experience.” She added, “One of my students shared, ‘My daughter became interested in learning more about robotics after watching the competition!’”

During the winter engineering challenge, some teams’ projects succeeded and made it across the finishing line with “lunar rocks.” But a larger number didn’t survive the three-story drop. One of those teams, Isaac Newton’s Dog Diamond, gathered the pieces of their broken lunar rover and carried them back to a table to assess the damage.

One group reported: “We learned that the trial-and-error process does, in fact, involve error. These experiences taught us the importance of adaptability and persistence in problem-solving. If we were to do this project again, we’d spend more time on testing and making prototypes to improve the design.”

Designing within Engineering Parameters

Each team was required to design and build their vehicle to adhere to strict parameters.

Design specifications:

• Size: Must fit within a 35 cm x 35 cm x 35 cm box
• Weight: Must weigh less than 2.0 kg
• Power source: Must be self-contained in the device
• Mobility: Must be fully autonomous
• Design: Must be students’ own design, outside of motor components
• Cost: Must cost less than $100

Materials: Student engineers used a variety of materials including 3D printed filament, balsa wood, CDs, modeling clay, threaded metal rods, and various kinds of wheels and axles. Designs also incorporated electronics or a motor and power box within the body of the robot, and a parachute to reduce the descent speed.

Teams: Engineering students comprised 18 teams including The Argonauts, Imperfectly Designed, Robo Legs, Robo Rangers, Sisters in Science, Innovation Nation, Safety Hazards, Blue Moon, and Isaac Newton’s Dog Diamond.

Throughout the morning, all 18 teams presented their designs and then climbed the stairs to test their projects in the drop tower. After testing their autonomous vehicle, students examined what worked, what didn’t, and how they would improve it.

One group reflected: “Looking back on this project, we learned that we are all very early in our engineering careers and there is still a lot to learn. Designing and building a fully autonomous vehicle is difficult and an intricate process. Also, Open AI is a very useful tool…that can be used to create code for the purpose we need. If we were to do this project over again, we would have learned about our team members’ knowledge and backgrounds before assembling the team so we could create a team with more diverse skills and experience.”

Another group reported: “We utilized our engineering knowledge and available tools to optimize our machine’s efficiency. As we deepen our understanding of engineering coding, we recognize that programming could significantly improve our design.”

Early Pi Day Celebration

After all the tests were completed, the students celebrated Pi Day early—with free pizza followed by apple and cherry pies baked by students in Clark’s McClaskey Culinary Institute.

Professor Tina Barsotti said, “True engineering talent emerges from embracing failure, learning from it, and using it to build something stronger, smarter, and more resilient. We must celebrate our failures as they are our connection to innovation.”

Previous engineering competition stories

• Fall 2024
• Spring 2024
• Winter 2024

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish and Carly Rae Zent

More than 75 healthcare professionals, educators and workforce development experts gathered for an inaugural Healthcare Pathways Education and Industry Summit at Clark College Columbia Tech Center on March 7. With a shared goal of expanding healthcare career pathways and partnerships in Southwest Washington, the event buzzed with new connections, strategic discussions, and plans for future collaborations.

Host agencies included Clark College Health Sciences unit, Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence, Workforce Southwest Washington and Career Connect Southwest, a program of Educational Service District 112.

Building pathways with partners

Scot Headley, dean of Business and Health Services at Clark College, said, “We view this event as the next step in bringing more collaboration and alignment in raising awareness and building pathways into healthcare careers amongst the various educational agencies, colleges, community organizations, and employers. I am grateful for our partnership with ESD 112 and Career Connect Southwest and for the faculty and staff at Clark who are willing to invest their time, energy, and creativity into building these pathways.”

This cross-sector gathering addressed the following objectives:

1. Share successes and challenges of existing programs
2. Develop a regional roadmap for healthcare career awareness
3. Plan community engagement strategies
4. Identify quick-turn and long-term solutions to workforce challenges

The event included two panel discussions. Additionally, during a collaborative small-group work session, group members considered these questions:

• Given the current healthcare workforce shortages, what innovative strategies or partnerships have you seen succeed in attracting and retaining talent, including in rural areas?
• How can the healthcare industry collaborate more effectively with educational institutions to ensure students are graduating with the skills and certifications needed to meet immediate labor demands?
• What emerging trends in healthcare (e.g., technology, aging population) do you foresee having the most significant impact on the types of roles and skills needed in the next 5-10 years, and how should education systems adapt to these changes?
• What resources and opportunities could be made available to educators and students to acquaint them with opportunities and needs within healthcare?

Summit discoveries

Groups collaborated and wrote their answers and ideas on whiteboards, including these:

• Build strategic partnerships for developing allied health programs
• Create incumbent worker pathways
• Provide resources to K-12 faculty to understand and present health care pathways to students
• Lack of capacity from employers and education to build and deliver systems for career exploration and preparation
• Clinical experience is valuable

After robust discussions, it was clear what is needed in moving forward:

• More partnerships between education and industry
• Improved communication between education and industry partners
• More clearly defined career pathways for students, including those who do not plan to earn a four-year degree
• More hands-on opportunities for students, via career days, externships, paid internships, and more

Partner feedback

Vickei Hrdina, Director of K12 Workforce and Higher Ed Partnerships, Educational Service District 112 and executive director of Career Connect Southwest: “This Summit has been instrumental in strengthening collaboration between K-12, higher education, and industry leaders. By developing a clear roadmap for aligning high school Career and Technical Education with post-secondary training and real workforce needs, we’ve taken a significant step toward building a more seamless talent pipeline. This model will not only guide regional efforts but also serve as a framework for other high-demand sectors.”

Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest network manager: “The need for strong and reciprocal relationships between industry and education was clear at this summit. When we work together to increase our efforts to help our students explore, prepare for, and launch into many career pathways in healthcare, we can help those students envision and pursue their future in the field.”

Sean Moore, senior project manager, healthcare, Workforce Southwest Washington, also is a member of several health care advisory boards at Clark College: “By bringing together employers, union representatives, community partners, high school and college educators ensures we are all focused on developing in-demand, career pathway/living wage opportunities for emerging talent to meet the needs of our Southwest Washington healthcare workforce.”

Paul Huddleston, dean of students at Cascadia Tech Academy: “Getting industry and education in the same room is fantastic. I’m looking to improve our program, to provide our students opportunities to explore careers, and to equip our students with the skillset industry is looking for.”

John Armerding, health sciences teacher, Columbia River High School, Vancouver School District: “My primary goal here is to figure out next steps for my students. It’s important to recognize that four years of college is not for everyone.”

Andrew Goss, health sciences teacher, Heritage High School, Evergreen School District: “I want to find more opportunities for my students. I want to learn what gaps do I need to focus on to prepare my students?”

Kelly Stellrecht, Washington State Opportunity Scholarships: “We are trying to make more connections with employers and students.”

Jess Friason, Legacy Health: “How can we provide more opportunities to middle school and high school students? How can what we offer complement a high school’s needs?”

Participate in a future summit

Contact Scot Headley, dean of Business and Health Services at Clark College

• Email: SHeadley@clark.edu
• Phone: 360-992-2938

Learn more

• Clark College Health Sciences unit
• Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence
• Workforce Southwest Washington
• Career Connect Southwest

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

More than 30 women veterans from various military branches gathered at Clark College on March 4 for an inaugural listening session designed to cultivate connections, share their struggles, and address their unique needs.

Hosted in partnership with the Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence, Clark County Veterans Assistance Center and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the event provided a space for open dialogue, with additional participation from veterans via Zoom.

The idea for the session emerged from last fall’s Veterans Resource Community Fair, where women veterans voiced the need for dedicated spaces to share their experiences and available resources, and access support.

Additionally, representatives from various Veterans Affairs departments joined via Zoom to listen to the women and to offer information about available resources.

Veteran Sonja Wood, who works at Clark County Veterans Assistance Center, was one of the organizers. She said, “For four or five years, I wanted to do a women’s symposium where women vets could meet other women vets in their community and talk about issues women vets have faced.”

The organizers listed issues experienced by women veterans, from believing they do not have a voice or a place at the table to knowing what benefits and services might be available to them and to their families.

Wood added, “Our goal is to listen to you, and work to find solutions and resources.”

Veteran Veronica Roberts, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, said, “Knowledge is power. Some women who served in the military do not believe they are veterans. They do not realize they qualify for benefits.”

She stood at the front of the room and encouraged women veterans to share their stories, ask their questions, and find their voices.

Donna Larson, Associate Director of the Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College, said, “I am so pleased that so many women veterans participated in this opportunity to build community and share useful resources across all service branches and ages.”

Larson, who is a veteran, added, “It was fulfilling to witness the connections formed at this first community roundtable. I look forward to our next gathering and anticipate this group of women veterans will continue to forge relationships, build community, and help one another find resources that can enrich their lives.”

Learn more

• Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College
• Clark County Veterans Assistance Center
• Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

This week, Clark College’s President Dr. Karin Edwards and many campus administrators, staff, and faculty stopped in at several college events, taking time to engage with students across campus. It’s no secret that interacting with students is one of her favorite parts of the job (as it is for many of us who work in education), and this past week has offered plenty of opportunities to do just that for everyone.

Every chance she gets, Dr. Edwards has been an active presence, listening, learning, and sharing in the Clark College experience. In the President’s Weekly e-bulletin for faculty and staff, she said, “I value every chance I get to spend time with students and to hear and learn from them.”

Sporting white trainers, here’s a look at a few places where she’s been spotted on campus this week:

At Brunch with the Bosses on February 26, Dr. Edwards walked around the Penguin Lounge (wearing her white trainers) and chatted with students who were eating fruit and yogurt cups and waffles adorned with dollops of whipping cream.

This ASCC event provides an opportunity for students to chat with Dr. Edwards, executive cabinet members, and several college deans, while competing in a game of Clark College trivia. All tables had at least one “boss” and a small group of students. Everyone seemed primed to win the competition.

Each table group chose their team’s name: Falcons, Happy Feet, Penguin Pals, Star, Explorations, ESL, and Ego. Contestants were not allowed to use their phones to research the answers. The competition began with Clark College trivia questions — do YOU know the answer to this one?

Q: What was the original name of Clark College?

1. Vancouver Community College
2. Vancouver Junior College
3. Southwest Washington College
4. Vancouver City College

After each question was asked, the room buzzed with teams trying to agree on their answer. Two teams tied for first place: Penguin Pals, Dr. Edwards’ team; and the Falcons, Dean of Student Engagement, Cath Busha’s team.

[Answer: B]

At the Students of Color Luncheon on February 6, Dr. Edwards (wearing her white trainers) sat at a table and ate lunch with the rest of the students, listening to the experiences of student speaker, Chishayla Kimmons. Dr. Edwards is a frequent attendee of the student luncheons, which are hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI).

Afterwards, she chatted with students and posed for photos with scholarship recipient Navjot Handal, student speaker Kimmons, and peer mentors.

Dr. Edwards was pleased to meet Kimmons, “who will graduate in June with degrees in business and marketing, shared her journey. After enrolling in several colleges, Chishayla found her place here at Clark. She expressed her appreciation for all the college has provided her.” Read more here.

At the Roots to Excellence High School Visit on February 20, Dr. Edwards delivered her welcome at Gaiser Student Center to Black students and students of African descent visited campus (yes, she was wearing her white trainers). She shared encouragement with the students, saying, “Make sure you know your history. You may not see it in books. Learn about yourself, your culture, and history and celebrate it.”

Dr. Edwards thanked ODEI “for coordinating and hosting this event… I am grateful to have been a small part of it.” Read more here.

At the Board of Trustees meeting on February 26, Dr. Edwards was excited to present the championship ring to Mia Beightol. Read more here.

In addition, Dr. Edwards announced that Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter has been recognized with a 2024 REACH Award for its efforts in membership development. This award acknowledges the chapter’s excellence in welcoming new members and expanding access to PTK’s benefits, including scholarships, leadership opportunities, and academic recognition.

She thanked PTK advisor Darci Feider, and said, “We are proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who contributes to making our chapter a place of opportunity and success.”

At International Education Day on February 27, Dr. Edwards gave opening remarks (sporting the now-familiar white sneakers). One of the most popular annual events, it’s hosted by Clark’s International Programs, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Clark’s World Languages program. The event welcomed culture clubs on campus and groups from around the community to host multi-cultural tables. There was also a schedule of traditional dancing. Attendees joined the fun with a Bollywood dance lesson, followed by several Latin American dance lessons.

After her speech, Dr. Edwards stayed to enjoy the exchange of arts and culture. She made an ink print at a craft activity table, posed with the Chinese dragon, eyed the cookies prepared by Clark culinary students, enjoyed the music and dancing, and chatted with students at the club booths.

In her President’s Weekly, she shared, “Events like these highlight the benefits of international education, the beauty of diversity, and the meaningful connections we create through cultural appreciation.” More about International Day here.

What’s next?  Rumor has it that you just might spot Dr. Edwards at the Decker Theater this weekend for an upcoming musical performance of The Addams Family Musical.

If you are interested in checking out this musical comedy, here’s more info.

If you’re a fan of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Lurch, Cousin Itt, and Thing, you’re in for a treat. The Addams Family is coming to Clark College’s Decker Theatre. The Addams Family, a Broadway musical comedy, will be presented at Clark College on February 28, March 1, 6, 7, and 8. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Summary: The Addams Family, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice wrote the book. Andrew Lippa wrote the music and lyrics for the songs “When You’re an Addams,” “Wednesday’s Growing Up,” “One Normal Night,” “Tango de Amor,” and many others.

Decker Theatre Crew

• Dr. Gene Biby, program director, oversees all elements of the season’s productions.
• Lisa Conklin-Bishop is directing this production.
• Mark Owsley, technical director, oversees all technical elements in every production.
•  Kyra Sanford is the scenic designer, scene shop foreman, and scenic artist.
•  Galatia France is the costume designer.

 “This show has been on our radar for a couple of years. We felt this was a great time to produce this show, given the popularity of the television show, ‘Wednesday,’” said Biby. “We had also chosen two rather serious plays as our fall and spring shows and wanted a light-hearted comedy for the winter quarter.”

He is correct about the popularity of the Wednesday series on Netflix, which is among the most-watched series on the streaming service. The Addams Family has been popular since cartoonist Charles Samuel Addams introduced his eccentric, macabre characters to readers of The New Yorker in the 1930s. The Addams Family evolved into a 1964 television series with a catchy theme song (see the lyrics at the end of this story), and then spun off into animated TV programs, theatrical films, video games, and a Broadway musical.

Clark College’s Decker Theatre is one of more than 200 theatrical productions of the musical in 2025 throughout the U.S. and also in Canada, Cambodia, Italy, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Decker Theatre in Frost Arts Center on Clark’s main campus. Please enter through the front entrance, and go through the lobby, and the theatre entrance is located in the southeast corner of the courtyard.

Tickets:

• General admissions: $12
• Senior Citizens (60+): $10
• Clark students, faculty, and staff: Free by providing Clark ID

Reserve your tickets here.

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/dept/theatre/season.php

The Addams Family: Fun Facts

Origin: The Addams Family characters were created in the 1930s by American cartoonist Charles Samuel Addams who created a series of 150 stand-alone single-panel comics that featured a cast of macabre characters who became known as the Addams Family. About half of his comics were published in the New Yorker over 50 years until his death in 1988.

Franchise Timeline includes:

Television

• Original TV series, 1964-1966: The Addams Family TV series, based on Charles Addams’ characters, aired for two seasons, with all 64 episodes filmed in black and white. The lead of Gomez Addams was played by John Astin; Morticia Addams was played by Carolyn Jones.
• Animated TV series: The New Addams Family (1973) and The Addams Family (1998-1999) both produced by Hanna-Barbera and aired on Saturday mornings.
• The Netflix series, Wednesday (2022) stars Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams.

Theatrical films

• Series of live-action theatrical films, the 1990s: The Addams Family (1991); Addams Family Values (1993); Adams Family Reunion (1998), all starring Raul Julia as Gomez, Angelica Houston as Morticia, Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, and Christina Ricci as Wednesday.
• Animated theatrical films: The Addams Family (2019) and The Addams Family 2 (2021)

Broadway musical: A musical comedy adaptation, The Addams Family, opened on Broadway in 2010.  It starred Nathan Lane as Gomez Addams and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia Addams. It closed on December 31, 2011, after 35 previews and 722 performances.

Video games: At least seven video games based on The Addams Family released between 1989 and 2022 on various game consoles

The Addams Family Trivia:

Q: What is Wednesday Addams’ middle name?

A: Friday

Q: Which Oscar Award-winning actress provided the voice of the character Pugsley in the 1973 animated TV series The Addams Family?

A: Jodie Foster

Q. Can you sing the Addams Family Theme Song from the 1964 TV series?

The Addams Family Theme Song (This song is not in the musical production to be performed at Clark College.)

Composer Vic Mizzy wrote and arranged the theme for the 1964 “The Addams Family” TV series. Mizzy was a longtime composer for Hollywood films and television programs. The song’s arrangement was dominated by a harpsichord and a bass clarinet, and featured finger snaps as percussive accompaniment. Regardless of the quality of your voice, finger snaps are required. Sing along to the original theme song here

The Addams Family theme song (1964)

They’re creepy and they’re kooky
Mysterious and spooky
They’re all together ooky
The Addams family

Their house is a museum
When people come to see ’em
They really are a screa–um
The Addams family

Neat…Sweet…Petite…

So, put a witch’s shawl on
A broomstick you can crawl on
We’re gonna play a call on
The Addams family

Rotarians from around Clark County joined Clark College Foundation and Clark College for a tour of the new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at Boschma Farms on February 4. Located just east of the Ridgefield Junction, the building will welcome its first general education classes during spring term. The Advanced Manufacturing program is under development.

Angela Torretta, above, of Clark College Foundation welcomed the Rotarians: “Clark College at Boschma Farms exists due to community demand. The college has been in conversation with individuals and organizations in Clark County who have shared the need for a local training center to provide skills to the current and future advanced manufacturing workforce.”  
 
Next, Amy Easton, president of the Rotary Club of Greater Clark County, stood on the steps of the AMC and greeted her fellow Rotarians: “This is a unique opportunity for all seven Clark County Rotary clubs to come together, foster collaboration, and celebrate our shared commitment to supporting education and strengthening connections within our community.”

Jay Schmidt, board chair of the High-Tech Council and Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee, paraphrased Dr. Terry Brown, Clark’s vice president of instruction: “This building will be a great place for experiential learning.”

Then the Rotarians divided into groups for a guided tour of the state-of-the-art building. They toured the classrooms equipped with the latest advanced manufacturing technology, the light-filled general education classrooms with high ceilings and tall windows, the quality assurance lab, the computer lab, and the collaboration spaces. They also toured conference rooms and other spaces that will be available for the community to rent for meetings, community groups, and other events.

The tour ended in the impressive high bay—the heart of the building. Here students will learn the fundamentals of advanced manufacturing, which is a network of automated technology designed to produce products with high efficiency in manufacturing processes, while reducing lead times, materials, and manufacturing defects.

Will Zander, above far left, director of the new Advanced Manufacturing program, stood in the enormous high bay and pointed out the equipment to the Rotarians.

In the next 10 years, the region of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon anticipates a shortage of 1,755 advanced manufacturing technicians. Designed with input from industry partners, this high-bay, and the entire Advanced Manufacturing Center, is where students will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to step into an in-demand career and meet the growing industry need.

Soon, Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms will be a hub of experiential learning that will train the workforce for tomorrow.

All seven Rotary clubs in Clark County were present:

• Rotary Club of Greater Clark County
• Rotary Club of Vancouver
• Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise
• Rotary Club of Battle Ground
• Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal
• Rotary Club of Lewis River
• Rotary Club of Three Creeks

Q & A with Amy Easton, president, the Rotary Club of Greater Clark County

It was Amy Easton’s idea to offer Rotarians a tour of the AMC.

Q: Why did you decide Rotarians should tour the AMC?

AE: Rotarians are deeply committed to supporting education, workforce development, and community engagement, so when I learned about the new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at Clark College, I saw a great opportunity for all seven Clark County Rotary clubs to come together and experience this transformative project firsthand.

The AMC represents a major investment in technical education and job training, which aligns with Rotary’s mission to foster economic development and strengthen communities. I wanted our members to see how this facility will prepare students for in-demand careers, and how Rotary can continue to support initiatives that create lasting impact in our region.

Q: When did you reach out to the Foundation?

AE: I first connected with the Clark College Foundation last summer to explore the possibility of organizing a tour for Rotarians. From the start, the Foundation was enthusiastic about the idea, and we worked closely to coordinate an event that would give Rotarians an inside look at the facility before it officially opens to students. The collaboration was fantastic, and we’re so grateful to the Foundation for helping make this event happen.

Q: What do you think about the Advanced Manufacturing Center and Clark College having a presence in Ridgefield/North Clark County?

AE: The Advanced Manufacturing Center is a game-changer for Ridgefield and North Clark County. It not only expands Clark College’s reach but also creates new opportunities for students, local businesses, and the workforce in this growing region.

By providing hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, the AMC will help bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers.

Having this state-of-the-art facility in Ridgefield means that local students and employers alike will benefit from a stronger, more connected pipeline of talent, boosting economic growth in North Clark County and beyond.

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/about/visitors-guide/getting-to-clark/boschma/

Photos not credited: Clark College/Susan Parrish

• How do Clark students who are enrolled in technology or engineering programs learn about the multitude of career paths available to them?
• Who can offer them real-world insights about what it’s like working as a civil engineer in the private sector versus the public sector?
• Where can students find out about paid summer internships in their field?

The answer to these questions is simple: Career Connect!

Career Connect events are open to Clark students, alumni, and community members. They provide opportunities to make connections and learn about internships, jobs, careers, and academic pathways. Clark staff, faculty, and local employers were in one place to support students. Opportunities are also regularly posted on Penguin Jobs, Clark’s online job and internship board.

Career Connect networking events provide an opportunity for Clark students in specific programs to connect with employers. At the Career Connect on February 4 in Cannell Library, students pursuing engineering and technology career paths had opportunities to meet with industry professionals and explore their career options.

Connecting with employers

At the Multnomah County table, students were waiting to speak to the two representatives. Cole Whitehurst, who coordinates Multnomah County’s College to County Mentorship Program, had good news for Clark students. The program is hiring about 50 summer interns in a variety of county departments. The internships pay $24 per hour.

Whitehurst handed students a flyer with a QR code that linked to the internship webpage and encouraged them to apply. Applications will open March 14 and will close at 9 a.m. on April 15 deadline. It requires a resume and cover letter.

At the Wallis Engineering table, an Engineer and a Recruiter spoke with a Clark engineering student who had many questions. What kinds of projects do civil engineers work on? What does the day-to-day work look like?

Similar conversations happened throughout the space as students and industry professionals talked about the opportunities in their professions.

Connecting with resources

“If students would like assistance creating a resume and cover letter for any opportunity, the team at Career Services is ready to help,” said Alex Kison, Workforce and Student Engagement Navigator of Career Services.

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.

The following employers participated in the Career Connect on February 4:

• Clark Public Utilities
• C-Tran
• edgefi
• Multnomah County, Oregon
• Wallis Engineering

About Career Connect

Career Connect Events are open to Clark students, alumni, and community members and provide opportunities to make connections and learn about internships, jobs, careers and academic pathways. Clark staff, faculty and local employers will all be in one place to support students.

Next Career Connect

Who: Clark students enrolled or interested in biological, social, and physical sciences or STEM. All students and community members are welcome!

When: Tuesday, February 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: STEM Building Room 156

What to expect: Local employers and industry professionals will be at these events to speak with you about what it’s like to be in their profession and engage with you in career conversations. If you are currently looking for a job or internship related to STEM fields, you are encouraged to bring your resume to share with local employers. 

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/enroll/careers/events/

Make connections on campus

• Advising Services: advising@clark.edu or (360) 992-2345 or GHL 108
• Career Services: careerservices@clark.edu or (360) 992-2902 or GHL 108
• Student Success Coaches: Schedule a session here

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Award-winning poet Paisley Rekdal captivated a packed audience at Clark College’s Winter Columbia Writers Series on January 30. Students, faculty, staff, and community members filled Gaiser Hall 213, eager to hear her share from her work West: A Translation—a compelling collection commissioned to honor the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad. Blending poetry with multimedia storytelling, Rekdal’s work offers a powerful reexamination of history, migration, and identity.

Rekdal spent five years working on the project. Her research led her deep into railroad archives, where she found an abundance of histories celebrating the wealthy landowners and financiers behind the project. But stories of those laborers who built and worked for the railroad—the Chinese laborers, Black porters, and women who worked behind the scenes—were either absent or barely mentioned. Through her work, Rekdal seeks to restore their voices and reckon with the gaps in America’s historical narrative.

Rekdal said, “I’m half Chinese. I was aware of the history of the transcontinental railroad. I wanted to put the laborers of the railroad on the forefront.”

Countless Chinese who built the railroad with their sweat paid with their lives, but the railroad didn’t keep track of the number. Their stories are lost. When the two ends of the railroad were joined by the driving of the last spike on May 19, 1869, the work of the Chinese laborers was completed. Seen as a threat to the jobs of white laborers, they were no longer welcome in the U.S. and were denied a path to citizenship.

Rekdal talked about the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 that not only marginalized Chinese people but rounded up and detained them in a government-built detention center on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, some for up to two years.

Rekdal said many of these incarcerated Chinese people carved poems on the walls of the detention center in their own language. In her book, she included one of these poems that elegized someone who had committed suicide while in detention at Angel Island. At the event, Rekdal shared other poems she wrote in response to the stories.

She said, “This whole project is based on footnotes, but I wanted it to be the primary story.”

Today Angel Island is a state park that includes U.S. Immigration Station Detention Barracks Museum, an historic building preserved to show the original carvings that the detained immigrants left behind. Now we can learn about those lost stories.

Learn more:

West multimedia project by Paisley Rekdal

West: A Translation book by Paisley Rekdal is available in the Clark College Library

Angel Island State Park including U.S. Immigration Station Detention Barracks Museum, an historic building preserved to show the original carvings that the detained immigrants left behind from 1910-1940. Rooms are staged to reflect detention conditions.

Immigration Station at Angel Island State Park It It was designed to process Chinese immigrants whose entry was restricted by the Chinese Exclusion Law of 1882.  

The Chinese Exclusion Law of 1882 was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States.

About Paisley Rekdal

Paisley Rekdal is the author of four books of nonfiction, and seven books of poetry, most recently, West: A Translation, which won the 2024 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and was longlisted for the National Book Award. Her work has received the Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, an NEA Fellowship, and various state arts council awards. The former Utah poet laureate, she teaches at the University of Utah where she directs the American West Center. Learn more about Paisley Rekdal here.

Next Up

All Columbia Writers Series events are free and open to the public. For more information email: creativewriting@clark.edu

Spring Columbia Writers Series: Chelsea Bieker: May 29 at 10:00 a.m., PUB 258A-C

Chelsea Bieker is the author of three books, most recently the nationally bestselling novel, Madwoman, a Book of the Month club pick The New York Times calls “brilliant in its depiction of the long shadows cast by domestic violence.” Her first novel, Godshot, was longlisted for The Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and named a Barnes & Noble Pick of the Month. Her story collection, Heartbroke won the California Book Award and was a New York Times “Best California Book of 2022.” Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Marie Claire UK, People, The Cut, Wall Street Journal, and others. She is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Writers’ Award, as well as residencies from MacDowell and Tin House. Raised in Hawai’i and California, she lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children.

Fourth Annual Clark College Spring Writing Workshop: Saturday, May 31, PUB

The Clark College Writing Workshop is an annual creative writing festival. It is comprised of author readings and writing workshops and invites Clark students and the Vancouver and surrounding communities to come together to celebrate writing and practice craft. Workshop facilitators include renowned writers as well as Clark faculty.

About the Columbia Writers Series

The Columbia Writers Series has been a part of Clark College since 1988, bringing local, national and international authors to the college throughout the year. Writers who have visited Clark College through the series include Ursula Le Guin, Donald Justice, Sherman Alexie, Marvin Bell, William Stafford, Jamaica Kincaid, Gerald Stern, Carolyn Forchè, Natalie Diaz, Karen Russell, Jess Walter, Dana Spiotta, Mitchell Jackson, and many others.

Learn more at https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/cws/ or email creativewriting@clark.edu

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College students considering a future in communication had a unique opportunity to connect with experts from Washington State University’s renowned Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. On January 23rd, the Clark College Communication Studies Department hosted a transfer panel and Q&A session in Gaiser Hall 205, giving students firsthand insights into bachelor’s degree pathways in the field.

Molly Lampros, communications studies professor, welcomed two special guests:

• Nanu Iyer, program director of the Murrow College of Communication at WSU Vancouver
• Imran Haider, director of online programs for the Murrow College of Communication at WSU

Lampros spoke about how Clark students who earn an associate of arts transfer degree can transfer to WSU, enroll in the Murrow College of Communication, and pursue a variety of degree options at the WSU campuses in Vancouver, Pullman, Everett, or the global (online) campus.

She told the students: “Ask questions to figure out how your career will continue in communication studies.”

Iyer started the program titled ‘Where Can Murrow Take You?’ by asking students to think broadly: “Where do we use strategic communications?”

A student replied, “I don’t know if this is where you’re going—but—everywhere?”

Iyer nodded. “Yes! Strategic communication is the brain behind every brand. Every field—including health care and government—needs people with communications skills.”

Haider agreed, “For me, having a communications degree has meant versatility. It allows you to open a hundred other doors that other majors don’t.”

He listed the variety of fields taught in WSU’s respected Murrow program: classes in journalism, advertising, public relations, and corporate communications. Then he added, “The classes are innovative. Exciting. What you’ll need in your career. These skills are flexible and versatile and have application in today’s communications world.”

A robust discussion followed, with Clark students asking questions to learn about the career opportunities they could pursue in communications studies.

“I was very pleased with the level of student engagement and thoughtful questions asked,” said Lampros. “Students were excited and grateful to meet program directors from different campuses, and they seemed enthusiastic. Several students chose to dress up for the event, and many made professional connections on LinkedIn immediately following the panel.”

During fall term, she took her Mass Media students to Murrow College at WSU Vancouver for a thoughtful workshop about misinformation and propaganda. Lampros, Iyer, Haider, and WSU Vancouver faculty member, Elizabeth Candello, spoke about the benefits of Clark’s associate’s transfer degree and its alignment with Murrow College. Lampros invited Iyer and Haider to make a presentation on Clark’s campus, and they agreed.

The Communication Studies department hosted a Clark-to-Portland State University transfer panel in 2023, but this was the first Clark-to-Murrow transfer panel event. It likely will not be the last.

“I’m always looking for ways to support my students in their transfer efforts and help them make connections to the workforce, which will set them up for success,” said Lampros. “It can be rare to find opportunities to build community outside of the classroom and I am happy to help bridge that gap for our students.”

She added, “Many of my students indicated their intention to transfer to WSU and expressed gratitude for the panel. An event like this underscores the importance of our collaboration with WSU and shows students that a transfer degree is accessible and approachable. This event also demonstrates the vast and diverse career paths possible with a degree in Communication Studies.”

Preparing to transfer

Clark transfer advisors Laura Arellano-Karki and Tasaday Turner attended the presentation at the invitation of Lampros.   

Turner, associate director of Advising and Student Success, said, “I really wanted to be there to support students and to provide information if needed.” She added, “It was great to hear how different people found themselves in a communication field and how that field is so very vast and broad.”

Turner reminded Clark students who plan to transfer to a four-year university: “Students should remember to apply early, get their financial aid forms completed, and submit their scholarship applications ASAP!”

Murrow College of Communication at WSU

Murrow College majors in strategic communication are offered at the Vancouver, Pullman, Everett, and global campus and include:

• Advertising
• Integrated strategic communication
• Public relations
• Risk and crisis communication

Murrow College majors in journalism and media production are offered at the Pullman campus only and include:

• Broadcast news
• Broadcast production
• Media innovation
• Multimedia journalism

These Murrow College minors are offered at the Vancouver and Pullman campuses:

• Communication
• Sports communication
• Health communication and promotion

Learn more

• Learn about the WSU Edward R. Murrow College of Communication here.
• Learn about Murrow College majors and minors here.
• Learn about Edward R. Murrow’s legacy here.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley