You scream. I scream. We all scream for ice cream! 

Clark College Executive Council took turns wheeling the ice cream cart around campus to deliver free ice cream treats to all staff on Monday, July 10, as we kick off the first day of the summer term.  

All the childhood favorites were represented: Popsicles, drumsticks, ice cream sandwiches, Fruit & Freeze bars, Toll House cookie ice cream sandwiches. For those who avoid dairy, like DJ Scates in the Office of Instruction, there were nondairy fruit-flavored Popsicles. 

Despite cloudy skies, some raindrops, and cooler temperatures, staff emerged from their offices to enjoy a cold, sweet treat and to chat with colleagues.  

Clark President Dr. Karin Edwards wrote to staff: “It was great to see so many of you today as Executive Cabinet made our way across campus, pushing an ice cream cart, sharing gratitude and sweet treats, and celebrating the start of a new term. We greeted Welding students, participants of Girls Inc., tutors, deans, staff, and faculty from various departments, and ended our tour at the Child and Family Center.” 

A good time was had by all. 

Summer Term 2023 

On July 10, the first day of the summer term, we welcomed 1,897 new and continuing students, including: 

• 76 bachelor’s degree-seeking students 
• 22 international students 
• 33 Running Start students 

We anticipate summer enrollment to continue to increase as students finalize their registration by the July 18 deadline. Many thanks to all who helped our students register and prepare for their summer classes. 

Dr. Edwards added, “Wherever they are in their education journey, I’m inspired by the continued dedication and persistence of our students. Thank you to our faculty and staff for your critical role in helping our students succeed.” 

Clark College hosted its first-ever Healthcare Pathways Camp for more than 70 local middle and high school students on June 21-23. There was no cost for any students to participate in the camp. Funding for the camp was provided by Guided Pathways, Clark College Foundation, and Career Connect Washington. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks were provided, along with a Clark T-shirt.

Classes and activities took place on Clark’s main campus and in the Clark College Building at Washington State University Vancouver which houses the majority of Clark’s healthcare programs. Students participated in hands-on healthcare and teambuilding activities with Clark professors and staff, current students, and recent graduates. Each group of campers was teamed up with a Clark student ambassador who is successfully pursuing a degree and could offer advice about becoming a college student.

Learning by doing

Each student camper had the opportunity to experience all of Clark’s healthcare programs:

• Dental Hygiene
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Health Information Management and Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Assisting
• Nursing
• Pharmacy Technician
• Phlebotomy Tech

“We’re really getting an opportunity to showcase all of Clark’s healthcare programs by providing hands-on experiences with our professors,” said Professor Olga Lyubar, lead organizer of the camp. She is the department head for Clark’s Health Information Management program. “It’s about opening up their minds to consider their future path. Many of these students are just starting to think about what they want to do in their careers.”

Just a week after Ellie Wetzel, above second from right, graduated from Clark’s two-year pharmacy technician program, she stood in the pharmacy tech lab and taught a group of middle and high school students how to count pill blanks. As they worked, students asked her questions.

A student looked up from counting and asked, “When you go to a pharmacy, which person helps people at the counter?”

Ellie answered, “The person at the pharmacy counter is the pharmacy technician, like me. We count the pills and help customers. Then the pharmacist checks our work before we dispense them.”

That led to a discussion about Clark’s pharmacy tech program and career opportunities in the field.

All around the lab, students completed other tasks including drawing up immunizations and compounding a suspension.

Professor Heidi Fay, above right, lead instructor of the Pharmacy Technician program, led the students in compounding a simulated ointment made from unsweetened cocoa powder and petroleum jelly. The students used spatulas with long blades to mix the two ingredients and smooth them into the ointment. The smell of chocolate wafted over the counter where students worked.

A student who was compounding the ointment commented,” Smells like chocolate. Can I taste it?”

Professor Fay replied, “No. It’s unsweetened cocoa and Vaseline. It will not taste good.” The student accepted her answer and kept working.

“I was thrilled to be able to offer so many students the opportunity to see what different pharmacy technician tasks look like,” said Professor Fay. “We often think of pharmacy technicians as only ‘counting pills,’ but pharmacy technicians can complete a wide variety of tasks and work in so many different pharmacy settings. I felt great leaving the camp knowing students were able to learn more about this important healthcare career.”

Down the hall in the phlebotomy lab, Professor Lori Anderson sat next to a student and guided him in inserting a needle into a vein on a simulated arm. Throughout the process, she offered instruction and encouragement.

As the class ended and students prepared to leave, Professor Anderson asked, “Thank you for joining us. So, what do you think about phlebotomy? Is it something you might want to do? I hope it will help you determine your career path. Working in phlebotomy is a great stepping stone to other healthcare careers and a great way to support yourself while you’re going to school.”

In the medical assisting lab, some students were working on applying temporary casts while others removed surgical staples from an artificial arm and practiced taking vital signs.

Professor Sarah Kuzera, above right, observed a student applying temporary casting material around another student’s forearm. Then Professor Kuzera asked the “patient” to straighten out her fingers. She pointed out the importance of leaving the fingers free to not hinder blood circulation and to allow the patient to have use of their fingers.

As Professor Kuzera watched a student holding temporary casting material under a faucet, she advised, “That’s way too wet! Squeeze out the water and it will work better.”

She explained that graduates of Clark’s medical assisting program have an impressive job placement rate. She credits this to the program’s thorough hands-on training, including a required 160-hour clinical externship.

In the Nursing simulation lab, groups of students gathered around Siman, an interactive, programmable patient to learn about when and how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Another group of students gathered around beds and performed wound care on other simulated patients.

Nursing Professor Bo Li observed, “Some students are really curious. They want to know all the details about the pathway to becoming a nurse.”

On the final day of camp, panelists from the community who currently are working in healthcare fields offered at Clark College talked about their education, why they chose their field, and what a typical work day looks like.

Then students attended workshops focused on how to apply to college, career choices, financial aid, and how to succeed in college.

Clark College plans to host Healthcare Pathways Camp again next year.

The healthcare industry continues to be a top employer in SW Washington in terms of number of jobs and growth potential,” said Rhianna Johnson, director of Guided Pathways and Partnerships. “At the heart of Guided Pathways is the goal of helping students successfully navigate the journey that leads to high-wage, in-demand careers that will support economic mobility and long-term job security.

 Guided Pathways funding supports opportunities like the Healthcare Pathways Camp to ensure that all potential students have access to information and experiences that will help them make positive career choices and challenge stereotypes about who can benefit from jobs in the healthcare field.”

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Local high school students and some first-year Clark College students were immersed in hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields during Clark’s STEM Pathways Camp on June 26 and 27 on the main campus. There was no cost for any students to participate in the camp, which was funded by Guided Pathways and Clark College Foundation.  

Each student had the opportunity to experience six different activities: 

• Bioplastics and Green Chemistry Design-Thinking 
• Compass, Pacing and Triangles (Surveying and Geomatics) 
• Thinking Embedded 
• Intelligent Transportation Design (Automotive Technology) 
• Native Bees (Biology) 
• 3D Printing (Engineering) 

Hands-on learning 

Students participated in hands-on STEM activities with college professors.  

In front of the STEM building, biology professors Steven Clark and Christine Gregor directed students as they conducted bee surveys in the Bee Garden. In groups of three, students walked a 200-foot transect and counted all the native bees and honeybees they could find. Above: holding a clipboard, Mel Lopez, who recently completed her first year at Clark College, teamed up with Isaiah Weatherspoon and Caleb Wrede. Both will be juniors at Mountain View High School in the fall. Peering into the wildflower blossoms, they looked closely for bees—and spotted a Bombus. Mel marked it on their tally sheet. 

Each group of STEM campers had two MESA mentors, current Clark students who are successfully pursuing a STEM degree and who can advise high school students about getting started on a college path. 

“The MESA mentors are an integral part of STEM camp,” said Professor Carol Hsu. “The high school students can look to the mentor as someone who is succeeding at college and has chosen a career path.” 

Dr. Steven Clark said, “Two of the strategies to attract and support MESA students are to enhance engagement and to help students have a realistic expectation of what college work is like. The Bee Survey did both. It’s a fun, engaging activity but it also is what is required of biology majors at Clark.  The STEM camp students did a great job with their sharp eyes and their enthusiasm to find even the tiniest native bees. One group found a leafcutter bee carrying a cut flower petal into her nest—a very impressive sighting. Another group caught a native bee that was so small that it squeezed through the tiny air hole to escape from our viewing jar! It was the size of a grain of cooked rice!” 

In addition to engaging in hands-on learning activities, the camp also provided students with free Clark College T-shirts plus breakfast, lunch and snacks.  

The STEM camp was created in collaboration with the college’s Guided Pathways initiative, led by Rhianna Johnson, director of Guided Pathways Partnerships. 

“Career exploration is a critical component of the Guided Pathways model,” said Johnson. “For students to begin a career pathway, they need opportunities to learn about the many options available and to gain exposure to industries that they may not be familiar with. Research shows that different demographics receive disparate levels of career guidance and exposure, based on a number of factors that can create equity gaps related to pursuing high wage, in-demand programs.” 

Clark faculty and staff spread the word about the camp via social media and by contacting nonprofits that work with youth, including Girls Inc. and iUrban Teen. Johnson already is making a plan to reach more students to attend next year’s camp. 

She added, “The STEM camp was invaluable for showing students what career opportunities are available in STEM fields. Planting that seed.” 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Every term, Professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu pose a real-life problem to their engineering students and instruct them to design and build an object that solves the problem.

The last step of the project: During a three-hour competition, teams of students present their built project and then test it in front of their peers and judges from the community. Teams of engineering students competed in the challenge on June 6.

The topic of the 2023 spring competition, International Space Station Challenge, was proposed by Clark engineering alum Sarah Morgan. For the past decade, she has worked for Boeing in Houston ensuring engineering systems are working on the International Space Station.

International Space Station challenge 

Sarah contacted her former professors with an idea for the competition that was based on a project her team was working on.

Problem to solve: On the International Space Station, a pressure ventilation valve is damaged. To keep astronauts safe, students must design and build a temporary protective cover.

Sarah met with Clark engineering students via Zoom to answer their questions about the project.

“Our students were really excited about this project and got a chance to talk with an engineer with real life experience with the International Space Station,” said Professor Hsu. “Students also gain invaluable experience working with teams to solve problems.”

The Challenge

Sarah presented the challenge to the engineering students: “On the International Space Station (ISS), keeping a module pressurized is very important, but it’s also important to keep the pressure inside the station from getting too high. With this need to balance pressure in a specific range, there are ventilation lines/valves that go from the inside of the Space Station to the outside and ‘pop off’ at certain pressures.”

• The immediate problem: “One such line/valve has been damaged and an exposed portion is in an area that puts it at risk of being kicked by crew. If kicked, the vent line could become a hole from the inside of the pressurized module to the vacuum of space.”
• Problem statement: How might we design a temporary ventilation valve cover that can be assembled and disassembled and be able to withstand a 12-pound kick force?
• Working toward a permanent solution: A design team is working on a permanent solution to protect the exposed portion of this line. However, the design project is expected to take several months to develop and build before it can be flown on a supply vehicle.
• Students create a proposed temporary solution: “In the meantime, to ensure the safety of the astronauts on the ISS, an immediate temporary protective cover is required.”

Design a Solution

Students chose their team names, which included Space Penguins, Drop Kick Dynamics, and the Three Astroneers, to name a few.

Teams got to work designing a proposed temporary solution. Students chose various materials to build their valve covers: cardboard, block foam, aluminum, and polylactic acid (PLA), a popular material used in desktop 3D printing. Designs ranged from a trampoline-inspired fabric cover to a 3D-printed dome.

At the competition, each team took a turn standing in front of their professors and peers to explain their solution. Then came the moment of truth—testing what they had built. Two engineering students conducted the test of striking the design with a long-handled metal sledgehammer set to impact at a certain degree. Which designs would fail? Which designs would remain intact and protect the valve?

Top Three Teams

Professor Hsu said, “Winning the engineering competition earns the team bragging rights!”

The top three teams, in no particular order:

Team: D-Something
Students: Zane Bohyer, Caelan Heimbuch, Todd Karlsen
Project: Padded Wrench Frame

Team: Aerospace and Friends
Students: Clark Hegewald, Tyler Lawrence, Jack McMahon, Osvaldo Monroy
Project: ViceGuardian ValveArmor

Team: Stariod Engineers
Students: David Bogdanov, David Albulov, Gregory Wanner
Project: Tin Can Cover

About Sarah Morgan

When Sarah was enrolled in the engineering program at Clark College, she was president of N.E.R.D. Girls (Not Even Remotely Dorky) and was involved in the Engineering Club. After she earned an Associate of Science, Engineering transfer degree at Clark in 2011, she earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at WSU Vancouver in 2013.

Immediately after Sarah graduated, she was hired by Boeing in Houston as a structural analysis engineer on the International Space Station’s structural integrity team. She has worked at Boeing for a decade. Since 2021, she has been the ISS mission evaluation room manager, leading and integrating engineering systems for operational success.

Read a story about Sarah Morgan in WSU’s Crimson and Grey Magazine here

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College honored its 87th graduating class at the 2023 Clark College Commencement ceremony on June 15 at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater. The college conferred 1,833 degrees and certificates on 1,601 graduates, the next generation of our community’s workers, leaders, and scholars. More than 520 graduates and their guests gathered with college faculty and staff to celebrate their achievements.  

• 1,601 graduates who earned 1,833 degrees and certificates  
• 1,406 associate degrees  
• 1,100 direct transfer associate degrees 
• 81 bachelor of applied science degrees 
• 257 certificates 
• 89 high school diplomas  
• 450 Running Start students who graduated 
• 13 graduates from Larch Corrections Center; 12 students earned high school diploma or equivalent and 1 student earned the first Associate in Applied Science degree in Supervisory Management 

President Dr. Karin Edwards told the students, “We hope we have inspired you to excel and empowered you with the tools you need to transform your own life and others around you. Use the power of your degree to make the world a better place! As you move on to the next step of your life —and your next success — know that we are cheering you on to achieve the extraordinary!” 

Trustee Cristhian Canseco Juarez followed with these words, “For those of you who also come from another culture, embrace your differences. Use your language skills and gifts to connect across cultures, to advocate for and uplift others, and to make your community a better, more equitable place.” 

2023 Commencement Speakers:

• College President Dr. Karin Edwards 
• Trustee Cristhian Canseco Juarez, who spoke in both English and Spanish  
• Student speaker Darah Watts, Running Start student who earned her associate degree 
• CCAHE Faculty Union President and Professor of Communication Studies Suzanne Southerland 
• Interim Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jim Wilkins-Luton  

“We are entering a new chapter in our lives; this new chapter leaves behind our doubts, fears, and uncertainties. Because we have succeeded. Clark College has allowed us to have this precious moment by giving us, not only the power, but the tools to earn it.”

Darah Watts, Student Speaker

Sitting in the upper section of the amphitheater, Ruby Lainez-Pintor held up a large sign in support of her sister who was graduating: “Congratulations, Berenice!” 

After the last student had crossed the stage and the students had been conferred, the amphitheater crowd erupted with a cacophony of cowbells, kazoos, whoops, and clapping. 

Student Success Stories

It was a commencement that highlighted students’ legacy, courage, and second chances. 

Ashley Freese, Biology 

Ashley originally enrolled at Clark when she was 18, but shortly afterward became very sick with Hodgkins’ lymphoma and had to drop out of school. She returned to Clark in her 30s during the COVID pandemic. At commencement she crossed the stage and received an associate degree in biology. She is transferring to WSU Vancouver in the fall to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. 

Bradon Monahan, Welding 

Bradon served his country as a Marine in Afghanistan, then Okinawa, then stateside. After a series of injuries, he was honorably discharged and faced surgeries and physical therapy. He enrolled in Clark’s Welding program because he likes working with his hands and welding helps him focus and calms his mind. Bradon earned his associate in applied technologies in Welding Technology. The day after commencement, Bradon, his wife, and their six children left for their next chapter in rural Oklahoma, where they bought a home. Although Bradon’s injuries prevent him from the rigors of fulltime welding, he plans to help local farmers by making welding repairs on their equipment.  

Amelia Harris, Running Start 

Amelia earned her associate degree while concurrently graduating from Fort Vancouver High School. She is a fourth-generation Clark College student. Her great grandmother, grandmother, grandfather, mother, and father all attended Clark. Amelia’s grandmother also worked for the college for 25 years. Amelia, who was captain of her high school’s bowling team, received a bowling scholarship to Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, where she plans to major in business management and marketing.  

Thavian McKinney, Surveying & Geomatics 

On his last day of high school, Thavian severely fractured his leg, which required extensive surgery, and left him unable to walk for three months, followed by months of physical therapy. While he was recovering and could not stand for long, he enrolled in Clark’s Surveying & Geomatics program and completed his core classes online. But Thavian had to delay his first-year survey classes, which required lots of walking. He was given permission to complete two years of surveying courses during his second year. Before he graduated and earned an associate in applied science degree, he was hired as a lead survey technician at a design firm.  

Student Awards

Community College Presidents’ Award: Sonia Talero-Pachon 

Sonia received the 2022-2023 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 and is transferring to WSU Vancouver.  

Sonia exemplifies the resiliency and tenacity of first-generation college graduates. As a peer mentor in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, she worked with students in various cultural contexts, fostering connectivity, and embracing inclusivity. She believes in contributing to the community by cherishing her diversity, growing as an individual, and honoring her Colombian roots. Higher education is important to her because it opens the door to her dreams of owning and running a successful cultural events company to help systemically non-dominant communities demonstrate their artistic talent. She intends to become the first female in her family to graduate from a four-year university. 

Thanks to the Clark College Foundation’s generosity, two other graduates were selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship each:  

• Madelaine Debarber 
• Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Kneipp 

PTK All-Washington Academic Team Graduates  

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the honors society for two-year colleges, chose the following graduates based on academic excellence and community service:  

• Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Kneipp 
• Ella Merusic

Read more about the honorees

Faculty and Staff Awards

2023 Exceptional Faculty Award 

• Dan Alberghetti, Network Technology 
• Chef Earl Frederick, Cuisine Management 
• Dr. Jacob Funk, Music 
• Rebecca Herman, Dental Hygiene 
• Dr. Julian Nelson, English 
• Michiyo Okuhara, Japanese 

2023 Lora Whitfield Social Equity Award (announced at Opening Day 2022)

• Christina Smith, English 
• Cydney Topping, English  

2023 Exceptional Classified Staff Award (announced at Opening Day 2022)

• Chris Layfield, Security and Safety 
• Jessica Sanders, Transitional Studies 

2023 Exceptional Administrative Exempt Award (announced at Opening Day 2022) 

• Alyssa Voyles, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Tammy Thomas fulfilled her decades-long dream of becoming a nurse when her mother walked across the stage and attached a Clark College Nursing pin to her daughter’s lapel. Tammy was one of 29 nursing graduates celebrating completing their Registered Nurse education at Clark’s Nursing pinning ceremony on June 16 in Gaiser Student Center.  

The room was packed with families and friends—and so many babies, toddlers and young children—who had supported and cheered on their hard-working nursing students through the rigors of Clark’s program.  

During the ceremony, Ethan Cockerham received the Florence Nightingale Award, which is bestowed upon a graduate who has shown exceptional clinical performance. He spoke about how Clark’s nursing program is well respected throughout the region. When he first moved to the metro area to eventually attend nursing school, he was working as an emergency medical technician (EMT). At every hospital he walked into, he asked the staff which was the area’s best nursing program. Overwhelmingly, the answer was the same: Clark College.  

Ethan told his fellow nursing graduates: “We started at the height of COVID when it was chaotic and complicated with nursing strikes and vaccine refusals.” He added, “We’ve arrived! We have so much good to do in this world.” 

Angie Bailey, Nursing faculty department chair, explained that the Nursing graduates already have applied for licensure in the state they want to work in. They have one final step to take 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. 

Standing in the back of the room, she nodded toward the stage where the 29 new nurses sat and said, “Our students are phenomenal.”  

In turn, each graduate stood and was pinned by someone who was important in their journey to become a nurse.  

• Emilio Gomez was pinned by his wife, an ER nurse, with the help of their two children. 
• Janey Hume was pinned by her sister, Esther, a former graduate of Clark’s RN program. 
• Miriah Mallory was pinned by her husband, who held their baby. She had become pregnant and given birth while completing the nursing program. 
• Tammy Thomas was pinned by her mother, a nurse and nursing professor. 

Tammy’s nursing story 

Tammy always wanted to be a nurse because her mother, Linda Rose, was a nurse. After graduating from high school, Tammy enrolled in a nursing program at a community college in California, but life got in the way. With only two classes to go, she became pregnant. After her daughter was born, Tammy finished her general associate degree in 2000, but she had to put nursing school on hold to raise her daughter.  

Tammy said, “I worked as a human resources manager for 16 years while I was raising my daughter, but I was always thinking about nursing.” 

Tammy watched her mother’s fulfilling nursing career, which included working at Oregon Health Sciences University and then becoming a nursing professor at Concordia University. 

Meanwhile, Tammy’s daughter, Daryl Hogan, grew up, went to nursing school and is an oncology nurse. She is earning a master’s degree so that she can become a nursing professor just like her grandmother. 

Now inspired by both her mother and her daughter, Tammy decided to return to college to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.  

She said, “I chose Clark because it has one of the best and most prestigious nursing programs around.”  

At age 52, Tammy graduated with an AA in Nursing DTA/MRP, and next will take her exam to become a Registered Nurse. Tammy is not planning on stopping there. She plans to earn her bachelor’s degree and to work in neonatal intensive care (NICU) or women’s health.  

In earning her nursing degree, Tammy joins her mother and daughter and completes their three-generation nursing family. 

“It’s been quite the journey,” Tammy said. “I have learned that I have the perseverance and courage to follow my dream,” Tammy said. “My advice to students: Don’t give up on your dreams. Believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Just set a goal to do what you love, believe in yourself, and take that first step. Then the next.”  

Then all 29 nurses stood and recited the Nightingale Pledge, pledging to uphold certain ethics and standards within their profession. It is a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath for doctors.  

Many of these nursing graduates have transferred to Washington State University Vancouver and will begin working toward their bachelor’s degrees in the fall. There is a seamless transition between the two schools and their nursing programs. 

History of Nursing at Clark

• First pinning ceremony: 1962 
• Number of total nursing graduates: 4,351 
• Number of nursing classes graduating: 144 

Nursing Pledge 

In full knowledge and understanding, I promise to care for the sick with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regards to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health. I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action which may endanger life or health. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skills at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the health care team. I will do my utmost to honor the international code of ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse.  

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Engineering and Computer Science students preparing to graduate presented their projects in an expo in the STEM Collaboratorium on June 6.  

Engineering Professor Izad Khormaee explained that at the beginning of the academic year, students were assigned a task: to build and design a project that solves a real-world problem. Students proposed their project and designed it in Fall term, built it in Winter term, and improved on it in Spring term.   

Brandon Eastman (above) designed and built an electric-powered robot for use in production line automation. His project combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. 

“It’s very simple,” Brandon said. “It is three motors equaling three degrees of freedom. Each motor is a wheel.”  

Brandon is earning his associate degree in electrical engineering and transferring to WSU Vancouver to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.  

Mellanie Martin (above) displayed the bioinformatics program she created that applies computer science principles to biological data.  

“This program takes a DNA strand and transcribes it to RNA,” she said. “Bioinformatics is a growing field. We have so much biological data, but we don’t know what to do with it.”  

Mellanie is transferring to WSU Vancouver to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science.  

Linnea Castro (above) a mother of three children, enrolled at Clark in her late 30s to pursue a career in computer science. She is transferring to WSU Vancouver to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She created a homework timer to encourage kids to focus for 25 minutes. 

“It’s fun to do a project that’s manifested around something you want to learn,” Linnea said.    

Outside on the terrace, Carlos Aragón (top of page) demonstrated his renewable energy project, Ram Power Energy, a wave-powered generator that transforms hydraulic energy into electrical energy. He hopes to use this technology to harvest the energy of the ocean waves to produce electricity and to extract hydrogen.  

Carlos is earning his associates in electrical engineering and is transferring to WSU Vancouver, where he plans to earn his bachelor’s degree while continuing to improve his project. Eventually, he believes this process could not only be used to generate energy but also to clean the oceans.   

“I’m excited to see how to use it,” he said. “I hope to inspire more students at Clark to research new sustainable and clean energy sources.” 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

In a grassy field west of Ridgefield Junction, Clark College officials gathered at the site of the future Clark College at Boschma Farms campus to commemorate the project’s “first dig” on June 12.

Clark College at Boschma Farms will be similar to the college’s other auxiliary campuses at Washington State University Vancouver and Columbia Tech Center. The first dig kicked off the construction of the site’s first building, the Advanced Manufacturing Center. The 48,000 square-foot building is projected to be ready for classes beginning Fall term 2025.

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards was joined by Clark College Foundation CEO Calen Ouellette; Board of Trustees Chair Paul Speer and Vice Chair Cristhian Canseco Juarez; the college’s Vice President Administrative Services Sabra Sand, Vice President of Information Technology Sudha Frederick, Interim Vice President of Instruction Jim Wilkins-Luton and others.

Representatives from Mortenson Construction and Henneberry Eddy Architects, the companies selected for Progressive Design-Build services on the first building, also participated.

The group gathered in front of an enormous John Deere Excavator that already had made the first dig and had created a mound of dirt.

“We’re pleased to be here today for the first dig,” said Dr. Edwards. “This land has been blessed by the Cowlitz. During the last three years, there have been many conversations, a culmination of ideas flowing back and forth to get us here today.”

She looked around and said, “What you’re going to see in two years will be absolutely spectacular.”

Board of Trustees Chair Paul Speer said, “This is not just a building. It’s the seeds of our future. Generations will come here who we will never see.”

Carolyn Sizemore, market executive at Mortenson, invited everyone to grab a tiny gold shovel and plant a succulent with soil from the first dig. Next there was a golden shovel photo opportunity.

Finally, Dr. Edwards climbed into the cab of an enormous John Deere excavator, sat in the driver’s seat and looked around.

A copse of deciduous trees stood between the site and the Interstate 5, a half-mile to the west. To the east were rolling hills of farmland. To the south and west, new housing developments dotted the landscape. High above the field two hawks soared in search of dinner. The scene is bucolic.

But now there is work to do. White and pink flags on wooden stakes flapped in the breeze. The enormous excavator and other construction equipment—a bulldozer, a track loader, a mini excavator, and an off-loader—were ready to go to work.

In only two short years, Clark College students will gather here to pursue their dreams.

About Clark College at Boschma Farms

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.

About the Boschma family

Hank and Bernice Boschma, originally from the Netherlands, settled in Ridgefield in 1965 where they purchased land to start a dairy farm. They took a citizenship course at Clark in preparation for the national exam. Later, their daughter Gerry attended Clark.

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

View more photo on Flickr

Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College International Programs students, faculty and staff gathered on June 8 to celebrate the graduation of eight students representing five countries: Canada, Colombia, Norway, South Korea, and Vietnam. Three of the graduating students have earned bachelor’s degrees.  

• Chau Boi Nguyen, Vietnam, Bachelor of Applied Science, Cybersecurity  
• Heymi Park, South Korea, Bachelor of Applied Science, Dental Hygiene  
• Jennifer Garcia-Caro, Canada, Bachelor of Applied Science, Dental Hygiene 
• Kiet Huang Ahn Pham, Vietnam, Associate of Science Transfer, Engineering 
• Oeyvin Fluge Rydland, Norway, Associate of Arts, general AA-transfer
• Sonia Talero Pachon, Colombia, Associate in Applied Science, Business Administration   
• Justin Craig Willis, Canada, Associate in Applied Science, Business Administration   
• Sungmin Yoon, South Korea, Associate in Arts, Studio Arts  

Jody Shulnak, associate director of International Programs and Maggie Li, International admissions manager, presented graduating students with colorful stoles representing their country’s flag. Students will wear these stoles over their robes at commencement. 

“The honor is ours to be a part of your story,” Shulnak told the students. 

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an Intensive English Language program. During the 2022-23 academic year, the college had 55 international students. 

International students hear about Clark College in a number of ways. The college’s international recruitment plan includes armchair recruitment, working with agents, both virtual and face-to-face recruitment fairs, social media campaigns, print and online marketing around the world, partnering with EducationUSA, and more. In addition, many students have relatives living in Vancouver or Clark County. 

Shulnak said, “We offer holistic support for our international students. We also provide opportunities for students to study abroad for an academic term.”  

International students who are acclimating to living in a new country, culture, language environment, and college campus community, go through an intense adjustment period. Shulnak said the college community can help foster a sense of belonging for our international students by making an effort to learn their names, offering assistance, inviting them to share their perspectives, encouraging campus engagement, and generally creating a welcoming environment.  As a college, adopting a culture of inclusion will help international student retention. 

International Programs students were recognized for completing the Intensive English Language program, for receiving scholarships, being student athletes, and more.  

Some students spoke at the podium to offer their insight and advice for students who are not yet graduating. 

“Living abroad away from your family can be very hard,” said Sonia Talero Pachon. “Check your mental health. I have friends at Clark, at my job, and outside of Clark. That’s what keeps me sane.” She added, “The unconditional support that Clark has given me made this graduation possible, and I am forever grateful for that.” 

A slideshow highlighted the program’s connections with students throughout the year, from a space to hang out in Penguin Union Building, to Sakura Festival, bowling, a Halloween party, and field trips to Port of Vancouver and the beach. 

Shulnak recognized the program’s 2022-23 International Peer Mentors, Sungmin Yoon from South Korea and Ziyad El Amrani from Morocco. The program is accepting applications for peer mentors for the 2023-24 academic year. Students need not be international students, but must be enrolled at Clark for fall, winter, and spring terms. For information, contact International Programs at international@clark.edu or 360-992-2390. 

About International Programs:  

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. Learn more here.  

View International Programs electronic brochure here.     

Learn about Study Abroad programs here.  

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

An attentive crowd of 80 students, faculty, and staff gathered for the Spring Queer Luncheon on June 8 during Pride Month. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

A panel representing Clark students, faculty, and staff shared their journey toward discovery of their queer identity, their search for building community, and their challenges including feeling safe and navigating family relationships. The panel was moderated by student Sonia Talero Pachon. Panelists were:

• Student Matty Quinn
• Student Serenity Raewyn
• Alyssa Voyles, Director of Employee Equity, Outreach & Engagement
• Professor Christina Smith

Here is some of the panel’s discussion:

What was your journey toward discovering your queer identity?

“By the time I was 5 or 6, I knew.”

“Society tells us what’s acceptable. Parents have opinions. But I can re-embrace who I am. I feel a lot of us are constantly evolving.”

“I was in a toxic relationship because I was uncomfortable with who I was.”

What are some of the ways you have found to build community and support within the LGBTIQ+ community? And within Clark College?

“In the college’s Queer Agenda, we are about creating a safe space where people could be themselves and make friends.”

“It was through the amazing people at the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion where I started to find community.”

“I spent a lot of time in the Diversity Center, connecting with others. That’s when you find the most genuine people. You find the commonalities.”

“Community doesn’t just have to be in a physical space. I may not have a large in-person community, but I have developed a community online.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve had?

“Being part of the community, but still not feeling completely welcome.”

“I want to feel not just comfortable, but safe. I felt safer in Portland but moved to Vancouver. I don’t go out to eat in Vancouver.”

What are some ways you have found to advocate for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community?

“For me, it’s showing up for others in the way I didn’t have.”

“I’m visible to my students.”

“My advocacy doesn’t necessarily come from standing with a sign that says Black Lives Matter or Love is Love—although I have done that—but it’s relationships. How we treat each other.”

What advice would you give your younger self or other people about being part of the LGBTIQ+ community?

“I have a good friend who in his late 30s attempted suicide several times. He decided in his 40s to live authentically. It is never too late to be yourself.”

“Find queer content you can identify with.”

“For Pride Month, let’s focus less on ‘Love is love’ and more on ‘Trans people are dying.’”

“I’ve always been the weird kid who didn’t have friends. I never went to any school dances. Don’t wait for an invitation that’s not going to come. Just go. Do the thing.”

“You have to walk through your own life. Find a way that’s comfortable for you.”

To learn more, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s website.

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish