The lobby in Scarpelli Hall was a hub of activity in the midafternoon of March 5. Fueled by free pizza, salad, and cold drinks, students had opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and potential employers.

More than 60 students, alumni, and community members participated in Clark’s Career Connect event geared for students enrolled in programs in the college’s Business and Entrepreneurship area of study. The event was organized by the Career Services team: Emily Meoz, Alex Kison, Trisha Haakonstad, and Niira Krupnick, with support from student employee Liz Knapp. Kison led the logistics. Last May, the college’s Career Services team hosted a large-scale Career Fair in Gaiser Student Center featuring 70 regional employers, attended by more than 300 students, alumni, and community members. That event was broad and included all the college’s departments and programs.

This year, the team decided to create a smaller event focused on only one area of study. Instead of asking students to trek to Gaiser Hall, the career fair was held in Scarpelli Hall, where most of the college’s in-person Business and Entrepreneurship classes are held. It made sense to invite the students to gather in the familiar lobby just outside their classrooms. Starting the event at 3:30 proved to be thoughtful timing to catch students. Offering free pizza proved to be another successful enticement.

Emily Meoz, director of Advising & Career Services (pictured above), explained the team’s impetus to transition from a very large, broad event to a smaller, focused career fair: “The Career Connect event idea started as a mini-career fair idea, which grew into a broader connection and career event idea, to include staff and faculty who support students in a particular area of study alongside employers from the related industry. Finding ways to adapt what we’re doing to make more meaningful connections and opportunities for students is exciting.”

Advising Services, Career Services, and Student Success Coaches worked together to staff the event and assist students.

Students stopped at a table to chat with Business faculty Mary Evens, Helen Martin, and Julie Lemmond, who answered their questions.

Student Success Coach Lana Strickland assisted students and addressed how a success coach could help them.

Career Services staff were available to take professional LinkedIn portraits to aid students, alumni, and community members in their job search.

Clark College Human Resources staff assisted those interested in applying for an open position at the college. Other employers, including IQ Credit Union, Columbia Springs, Neil Jones Food Company, and Rally Pizza were on hand to talk with students about work opportunities and internships.

Students were given a list of sample questions to ask potential employers. That made it easier to practice talking with a potential employer about opportunities.

In this smaller, more intimate venue, students mingled with like-minded students they might already know from their classes. They had opportunities to speak with professors in their program.

Meoz said, “Overall, this was a great pilot Career Connect event. It serves as an example of how we can bring faculty, staff, and employers together to support students based on area of study. I was impressed with how the Career Services team came together to make this idea a reality in a relatively short period of planning time.”

Career Services promoted the event to students via:

• Emailing students in Business and Entrepreneurship area of study programs
• Working closely with faculty to promote the event to their students
• Advertising the event in Penguin Digest
• Promoting the event through social media

Looking around at the students making connections, Theo Koupelis, Clark’s Dean of Workforce, Professional and Technical Education (WPTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), summed it up: “It’s buzzing! It’s buzzing!”

Career Connect Q & A

Q: What was the impetus for moving away from the big Career Fair format in Gaiser Student Center to this smaller, more focused event?

A: We had a great turnout at the big Career Fair during spring 2023. We considered doing the same style of event again. The larger style Career Fairs can be great and very exciting, but they can also be overwhelming for participants and hard to assess whether they are effective for students making progress towards finding job and internship opportunities.

The Career Connect event idea started as a mini-career fair idea, which grew into a broader connection and career event idea, to include staff and faculty who support students in a particular area of study alongside employers from the related industry. Finding ways to adapt what we’re doing to make more meaningful connections and opportunities for students is exciting.

Q: Were you pleased with the attendance?

A: Yes! Since this was a brand-new event, we were not sure what to expect, but we had great collaboration and support from some faculty members who brought their classes or shared directly with their students. We had a successful pilot event.

Q: What were some positives about this event?

A: It was great to see students engaging in an intentional way with the employers, faculty, and staff. The focused nature of this small Career Connect event created an intimate space that was not as overwhelming as a large career fair can sometimes be.

Q: What tools did you provide to assist students in making connections at the event?

A: We developed a Bingo card to encourage participants to connect across the event. We will use the completed Bingo cards as an assessment tool to see how students made connections and engaged during the event.

We also provided students with sample career exploration questions to help guide their conversations and connections. Some employers told us that they were impressed with the kind of intentional questions students were asking.

Q: Will you have similar Career Connect events during spring term?

A: Yes, that is the plan. We haven’t identified dates or specific areas of study yet, as we wanted to first see how this pilot event went for Business and Entrepreneurship. Now that we have a solid foundational event to build upon, we look forward to seeing how we can adapt these events for other areas of study at Clark. We’re eager to work with our faculty and staff partners and local employers to plan more Career Connect events for spring. Our long-term plan is for each area of study to have a Career Connect event at least once during an academic year beginning fall 2024.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Congratulations to the 134 Clark honors students who became members of Alpha Sigma Phi, Clark College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa during winter term. PTK celebrated these new members at the 2024 winter term Induction Ceremony on February 29.

The official honors society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s first PTK induction ceremony was in 1991.

Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

In previous years, PTK celebrated new honors society members at one induction ceremony near the end of spring term. A change this academic year: PTK is hosting induction ceremonies three times during the year—toward the end of fall, winter, and spring terms.

Advisors Darci Feider and Heather Leasure changed the frequency of the induction ceremony to quarterly so that honors students can be recognized right away rather than having to wait until the end of the academic year.

“We wanted to engage students at the very start of their membership,” said Darci Feider. “Celebrating them at this ceremony is one of the ways we do that.”

Guest speaker Kim Brewer, enrollment navigator in Entry Services, spoke about how her involvement in PTK when she was a Clark student positively impacted her.

“In PTK, you meet like-minded students who value education,” Brewer said. “I encourage PTK students to participate in the chapter’s many service opportunities on our campus. The more a student gets involved, the more rewarding their college experience will be.”

She added that now, as a Clark employee “it’s gratifying watching our students thrive and grow their involvement in PTK.”

The 2023-24 PTK officers are Ziyad El Amrani, Mary Harter, Addison Johnson, Fennic Tatum, Mike Harrison, and Natalie Perdun.

Officer applications are now open for the 2024-25 school year. Benefits include professional development, public speaking skills, networking/training, and travel opportunities.

PTK’s All-Washington Academic Team

PTK scholars representing all 34 community and technical colleges in the state will be recognized at the 2024 All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 25 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.

The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students attending two-year colleges. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers, the individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success in their classrooms and in their communities. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges.

PTK at Clark College

Clark College has recognized Phi Theta Kappa as an official honor society since 1991. PTK doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success. It also provides them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger. Learn more about Clark’s PTK chapter at https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-life/ptk/

About Phi Theta Kappa

Q: What is Phi Theta (PTK)?

A: Phi Theta Kappa is the international official Honors Society for two-year colleges.

Q: How does PTK benefit students?

A: Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students. It provides opportunities for its members to achieve academic and career success through scholarships and leadership training.

Q: Where are PTK chapters?

A: PTK has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.

Q: What is the history of PTK?

A: PTK was established in 1918. Later, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.

Q: How many students have been inducted into PTK?

A: More than 3.5 million students have been inducted into PTK.

Q: How many active PTK members are there?

A: There are about 250,000 active PTK members in the nation’s community colleges. Learn more at https://www.ptk.org/

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Seated at tables around Cannell Library, pairs of people were deep in conversation. At each table, one person was a Clark student. The other was an alum or community member working in the student’s prospective career.

More than 50 Clark students met face-to-face with alumni mentors and other professionals to find out more about their prospective careers during Clark College Foundation’s Check Out a Professional event on February 27. The event is designed to connect alumni and business partners with students for one-hour career conversations in Cannell Library.

The event’s organizer, Chandra Chase, associate vice president of Alumni Relations & Community Engagement at Clark College Foundation, said, “Our alumni and business partners look forward to this opportunity to connect with students. Often, they received critical career mentorship through family, friends, faculty, or internships and want to pay it forward.”

The Foundation reached out to alumni and other local professionals with this message: “This event is designed for you to have a one-on-one career conversation with students, aligned with your area of expertise. What will you talk about? Take yourself back to your student days. What career information should you have known?”

Seated with a digital media arts student, Alan Hwang (pictured right), chief executive officer at Riff Agency, recognized the value of networking and volunteered for the event. Hwang earned an associate degree in business at Clark in 2013.

“When I was starting in my career, the most impactful brain gain I had was through 50+ cold emails to community leaders in a hope to gain some insight into what it takes to be successful over coffee,” said Hwang. “I’m a huge believer in hands-on, real-world learning. The Check Out a Pro event is a streamlined process for Clark College students to get that same impactful experience I had and gain some insight into the real world as they consider entering the workforce. This is extremely valuable experience and why I personally dedicate time—and will continue to dedicate the time—to this event.”

Connections made

• Sheila Davis of Fourth Plain Forward met with a student who is interested in working for a nonprofit organization.
• Katie Devlin, an attorney with the Washington State Attorney General, met with a political science student.
• Eric Olmsted, president of OnLine Support and member of the college’s Cybersecurity / IT advisory committee met with a cybersecurity student.
• Mike Pyszka, a civil engineer with Parametrix who is working on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, connected with a civil engineering student.
• Manuel Galaviz from PeaceHealth Medical Center used his laptop to show a healthcare website to a Health Information Management student.
• Jasmine Tolbert of YWCA Clark County met with a student about a career in counseling. The student’s young son sat quietly wearing headphones and watching a cartoon on a tablet.
• PeaceHealth nurse Sofia Cartagena and retired Kaiser Permanente physician Dr. Rebecca Hoffman met with nursing students.

A first-year psychology student sat at a table with Michelle Bart, president and founder of NWCAVE (National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation). The student’s professor had suggested she earn her advocate certification. Not only did Bart tell the student about a 40-hour advocate training her organization was hosting in Vancouver the next week, but she offered her a scholarship to participate at no charge. It was exactly the certification the student needed.

Connection made. Opportunity gained.

Throughout the library, alumni and other professionals connected with students in similar meaningful conversations.

“Libraries are about connecting folks with the information they need, in whatever format that might be,” said Julie Austad, dean of Clark Libraries and Academic Success Services. “Sometimes it’s a book or an article. At this event, it was people. It was alumni. It was folks in the community who could relate to our students and talk about their experience getting into their chosen career.”

Check Out a Professional has been an annual event, but Chandra Chase from the Foundation said, “In 2025, we’re hoping to expand to two times per year.”

Check Out a Professional quick stats:

• Attendance: 55 students (more than double last year’s event)
• 55% first-generation college students
• Largest increase in student participation: Health care and STEM areas of study

Participating students are pursuing careers from accounting to computer science to mechanical engineering to web development and more.

Alumni and business participants included representatives from Bloom Collective, Clark Public Utilities, Dynamic Events, Edge Networks, Fourth Plain Forward, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, LiveChannel, Mountain Crest Counseling Services, National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE), OnLine Support, Opsahl Dawson, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Riff Creative, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, TSMC (also known as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), The Vancouver Clinic, Washington State Office of the Attorney General, Webfor, Workforce Southwest Washington, YWCA Clark County, and ZP Productions.

Careers represented included animator, attorney, counselor, dental hygienist, engineer, filmmaker, health information management, human resources/recruiting, information technology, marketing, nonprofit management, nurse, therapist, physical therapist, physician, systems analyst, and more. Learn more about the Foundation’s Check Out a Professional event.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

On Wednesday, February 28, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted a Black Student High School visit, where more than 100 students visited Clark College. Held during Black History Month, the event was designed to introduce local Black students and students of African descent to Clark and consider it a pathway to college, university, careers, and beyond. The event was organized by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NAACP Vancouver, Vancouver Public Schools, and Evergreen Public Schools in close collaboration with Student Affairs.  

The participating students attend Fort Vancouver High School and Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver Public Schools, and Mountain View High School and Union High School in Evergreen Public Schools. 

Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vanessa Neal said, “The energy in the room was reverberating off the walls! Coming together to share in joy, engage in shared learning and activities, and provide a culturally affirming space for Black students and those of African descent was the intent of the event—and participants found this, and more.” 

She continued, “As someone who was encouraged to continue my educational journey, it is my honor to introduce Clark College as a pathway to continued education to a new generation of high school students who are Black and of African descent. As representation matters, this event allowed students to engage with Black faculty and staff from the college, the NAACP, the Boys and Girls Club, the President of Clark College’s Black Student Union (BSU), as well as teachers and administrators from various high schools. We were excited to offer swag bags, campus tours, soul food, and intentional connection.”  

Students were attentive during presentations in Gaiser Student Center. Both Dr. Karin Edwards and Vanessa Neal delivered a welcome message to students and were also joined by Tanisha Harris, who delivered a message from Senator Maria Cantwell’s office. The keynote address was presented by Melissa Williams, policy associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). 

Other presenters included: 

• Sarita Williams, Principal, Lincoln Elementary School, explained the history of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The song is often referred to as “The Black National Anthem.” The lyrics were written in 1900 by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson; his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, composed the music. 
• Cezanne Tyner, Vancouver Public Schools, led a community-building activity 
• Chris Hullum, Black Student & Family Engagement Advocate, Vancouver Public Schools 
• Dani Depuy-Grobbel, Associate Director of Dual Enrollment, Clark College 
• Bridgette Fahnbulleh, representing NAACP ACT-SO, provided information about ACT-SO as well as water bottles, hats, scarves, gloves, and books for students.  
   

NAACP ACT-SO  

A video introduced students to the NAACP ACT-SO achievement program (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics). Each year, high school students nationwide start a journey to sharpen their skills through ACT-SO. From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards. 

Campus Activities 

A highlight was a delicious soul food lunch catered by Ja’Das Soulful Eatz.  

Following lunch, students had a guided walking tour of the campus and were able to engage with Clark College’s Black Student Union President, Chishayla Kimmons, pictured left. 

After a full, fun four hours on campus, students gathered on the stage in Gaiser Student Center for a group photo. Talking excitedly with each other, the students filed out of Gaiser to their buses. Their excitement continued when they returned to their high schools. 

Vanessa Neal said, “One of our partners shared that when students returned to classrooms, their faces were still lit up with joy from attending the event. Thank you to everyone who approached this event with care and intentionality.”   

Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

ODEI is committed to serving all students, with a focus on systemically non-dominant groups (Jenkins, 1995-present) as they navigate Clark College. We help foster and retain a diverse college community, which includes students, faculty, and staff. 

Clark College’s goal of fostering a social and equitable college community is in part directed by the State (SBCTC), which has charged all community and technical colleges to lead with racial equity. ODEI is committed to serving people from systemically non-dominant populations as they navigate Clark College by helping to foster and retain a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. 

Our office supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. 

Learn more: Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (clark.edu) 

Clark’s Welding lab was visited by U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and a reporter and a photographer from The New York Times on February 26.

The New York Times is writing a story about the congresswoman in conjunction with the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.

The visit to Clark’s Welding program demonstrated the link between the many jobs that the bridge construction will create and how Clark College trains welders and fabricators for workforce-ready jobs, such as building a new I-5 Bridge.

During her visit, the congresswoman spoke with welding instructors, chatted with students, and observed them welding their projects. She even donned a helmet, gloves, and apron, wielded a torch, and tried her hand at welding.

On social media accounts, she posted six photos and wrote: “I was back @clarkcollege yesterday, and I met with students…getting their weld jobs done. I heard from them about why they chose the trades and took a look at some of their projects—including a mock pressure vessel! They even let me try my hand at a weld.”

As a staunch supporter of careers in the trades, the congresswoman last visited Clark’s Welding, Diesel Technology, and Automotive labs in May 2023. Before serving in Congress, she and her husband co-founded Dean’s Car Care, an auto repair and machine shop in Northeast Portland that he continues to own and operate today.

Photos courtesy of Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office.

In honor of Black History Month, the Clark College Bookstore window is displaying an exhibit featuring the work of two local Black artists, Claudia Starr Carter and Philemon Reid. The exhibit is on loan from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Vancouver. The artwork was curated by Carter’s sister, Bridgette Fahnbulleh of NAACP and Holly Jander Williams, a NAACP volunteer who worked with Carter on exhibits. View images from the exhibit at the end of the article.

What: Black History Month focus on local artists
Who: Sculptor Claudia Star Carter and painter Philemon Reid 
Where: Clark College Bookstore exterior window 
When: Through March 4 
Art loaned by: NAACP of Vancouver 

Rosalba Pitkin in the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) office coordinated with NAACP to bring the exhibit to the campus bookstore to share with the Clark community. Monica Knowles worked with Pitkin to showcase the art in the bookstore window. 

Pitkin said, “Recognizing these Black artists celebrates cultural richness, promotes representation, and contributes to a more inclusive environment.” She added, “I am grateful to NAACP for sharing this art, to Bridgette Fahnbulleh and Holly Jander Williams for selecting these pieces. This provides an opportunity for more people to enjoy this art and learn about these artists.” 

When 150 Black high school students, faculty, and administrators visit campus on February 28, they will have an opportunity to see the exhibit.  

Claudia Starr Carter 

Claudia Starr Carter (1954-2022) was an advocate for sharing Black history and Black art. She was a member of the NAACP Vancouver executive board and chair of NAACP’s Black History Month committee. She was a self-taught ceramicist and mixed media artist, a historian, a children’s education advocate, and a champion of Black history and Black art. 

Carter produced the bulk of her work in the ceramics lab at Clark College, where she took classes. Professor Lisa Conway from Clark’s Art department said Carter was her student first, and then volunteered for several years for the college’s ceramics studio, helping to keep the ceramics lab open later in the day and evenings so students could work.  

“Claudia Carter was a wonderful, warm presence in the ceramics studio at Clark College for many years,” said Professor Conway. “She started here as a student herself, then later worked as a studio monitor, helping other students realize their creations. Claudia was very giving and helpful in the studio at Clark and had a great sense of the power of her inner creativity. Claudia drew strong connections between her artwork, her family, culture, and history. She was experimental in her artwork, and her enthusiasm for the material and the creative process were a source of inspiration for others.” 

Almost a year after Carter’s death, a retrospective of her work was displayed in Gaiser Hall and Frost Arts Center at Clark College in February 2023 to celebrate Black History Month. 

Fellow Vancouver sculptor Russel Ford said he and Carter became friends when Clark’s ceramics studio was closed during the pandemic, and he invited her to use his kiln. Their connection grew.  

Ford wrote: “Claudia was deeply invested in telling the story of the Black community in Vancouver. Her goal was to create works that would inspire members of the black community to feel that this land was their land, that they were in no way excluded from the fabric of this community. She encountered little in terms of black art growing up and she wanted to help change that by working passionately in her chosen medium: ceramics and sculpture… Clark College offered her an opportunity to do just that. For many years, she could be found volunteering at the Frost Art Center, encouraging the many students that she encountered, and whenever possible, delving into the history of Black Vancouver.” 

NAACP Vancouver wrote this tribute: “A concern over the scarcity of books and art depicting the history and contributions of African Americans in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest eventually led Claudia to become both a tireless researcher and collector of local Black History and folklore. She was also an advocate of educating African American children about their history and roots in Vancouver and Clark County. Under Claudia’s leadership, the NAACP began an annual exhibition at Vancouver Community Library addressing Black History in Vancouver, the State and Northwest from early explorers through World War II. Claudia was committed to increasing education and dialogue on Black History in schools and in the community.” 

Where to see Carter’s work: Carter’s sculpture “Elephant Goddess” is on permanent display in Vancouver Community Library, 901 ‘C’ Street, Vancouver. 

Learn more: https://pnwsculptors.org/retrospectiveclaudia-star-carter/ (includes photo of Carter and her artwork) 

Philemon Reid 

Philemon Reid (1945-2009) was a self-taught artist who was born in Georgia, served in the military, attended college at night, and was an engineering technician with Bonneville Power Administration in Vancouver. Shortly before his death, Reid was awarded a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from North Portland’s Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center. 

Reid said about his art, “From an early age I was drawn to Cubism and the artist Picasso… I developed my own style… One of my main subjects has been music. I have a great love for blues and jazz, and I create from my moods and the feelings I experience while listening to music or just from my subconscious being.”  

After Reid’s death, journalist Bob Hicks wrote an in memoriam of Reid: “He did the thing he loved to do, which was to paint and sculpt images of the African American musicians who played the blues and jazz. He often listened to Coltrane or Miles or Ella while he was making his own art.” 

The Skanner newspaper wrote: “Reid’s love for blues and jazz, particularly musicians John Coltrane, Miles Davis and singers Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, was reflected in his colorful paintings and sculptures. Although Reid’s only formal art training was in high school, he developed his own unique style that was heavily influenced by Cubism and the artist Picasso.”  

Barry Johnson of OregonLive wrote that Reid’s work “often featured characterizations of musicians, and there’s something vaguely jazzy about his work—loose but formful and transporting. Where do they take you? To an ideal world, I think, where art and music are what matters. And his African American subjects, painted in a style that recalls the Harlem Renaissance gone cubist, somehow imply a sense of both singular creativity and community, especially his representations of small combos… I find that Reid’s work makes me want to ‘play,’ too – not jazz, necessarily, but anything that requires some intensity and creativity, anything that the company of other creators enhances.” 

Where to see Reid’s work:  Currently on view as part of the Portland Art Museum’s Black Artists of Oregon exhibit until March 31. 

Learn more: https://www.theskanner.com/news/northwest/5198-services-held-for-painter-philemon-reid-63-2009-06-18. 

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards delivered the annual State of the College address on February 14 in a packed Gaiser Student Center. The event originally was scheduled for January but was postponed due to a week of snow and ice. The space was filled with faculty, staff, students, members of the college’s board of trustees, Clark College Foundation staff and board members and community supporters.  

Emma Sturm, president of the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) kicked off the event and gave a report on increased student participation in college clubs and ASCC’s efforts to increase student engagement in campus activities.  

“It’s working!” Emma said. “More than 200 students participated in our ‘Barbie’ movie night.” 

Ray’s story 

Student and veteran Ray Jackson shared his Clark journey. After completing his U.S. Navy service, Ray enrolled at Clark in 2010, but he dropped out due to mental health issues, later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. After working various jobs, he realized he needed more skills to be successful. His vocational and rehabilitation counselor at the Veterans Administration suggested he return to Clark College. 

So, in 2019, a decade after he’d started at Clark, Ray returned to Clark and earned an AAT degree in Machining Technology in June 2021, but realized he didn’t want to work in a machine shop with loud noises.  

Ray didn’t give up. He leaned into his interest in IT and earned his CompTIA A+ IT certification, an entry-level IT credential, which propelled him to return to Clark and earn an associate in applied technology degree in Network Technology in December 2023. Ray wanted to go further still. He returned to Clark yet again winter term 2024—this time to pursue a bachelor of applied science degree in Cybersecurity.  

Along Ray’s journey, he navigated college studies and parenthood with the help of several Clark College student support services, including the Veterans Center of Excellence, Disability Support Services, Advising Services, Financial Aid, Penguin Pantry, Counseling and Health Center, Child and Family Studies, and more. Ray thanked a long list of Clark programs, departments, and people for helping him be successful. 

Accomplishments and looking ahead 

During her speech, President Edwards announced that the college’s equity-centered strategic plan was approved by the college’s board of trustees last fall and provides a framework for all the college does. The new strategic plan is centered on students—to educate, empower, and elevate them to achieve their personal and professional goals. It also underscores a commitment to student success, empowerment, and equity. 

Community partnerships and philanthropy are essential for supporting student and college needs. President Edwards expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of Clark College Foundation and the community. Notably, a $1 million gift from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe will launch the Clark College Innovation Fund that will address pressing needs and drive innovation. Clark College Foundation has awarded more than $85 million over the past 50 years. This year alone, the foundation has awarded $2 million that directly assists more than 550 students.  

In addition, Clark has disbursed $24.5 million in financial aid from other funding sources, including state and federal grants and loans and community scholarships.  

Recently, the college was awarded a $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education primarily for increasing student completion rates. 

The college budget and its financial sources focus on supporting Clark College’s commitment to provide affordable education. Clark offers more than 100 degrees and certificates in over 70 programs, including 5 bachelor of applied science degrees. The annual tuition is $4,907 for 45 credits (during 3 terms). And 70% of Clark students transfer to four-year universities. 

Enrollment has increased by more than 10% this academic year compared to the 2022-23 academic year. Approximately 8,683 students enrolled during the Fall and Winter terms, translating to 5,932 full-time equivalent students. Increased enrollment is expected to impact the budget positively, reducing the need to use the fund balance as the college had to do in previous years during and immediately following the pandemic. 

New programs, degrees, and expansion of academic offerings are driven by community needs and workforce demands. The college will add a Civil Engineering Technology and Construction Management program, a Food Service Operations certificate, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree that was recently approved on February 1. 

The programs under development include:  

• Clean Energy Technician program that will expand the college’s existing Mechatronic Technology and Automotive Technology programs to meet high-demand jobs. 
• Surgical Technician program will be the first in Southwest Washington. Pending final approval in May, graduates of the two-year program will earn an Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree in Surgical Technology.  

Additionally, the Advanced Manufacturing Center is currently under construction at the college’s Ridgefield location at Boschma Farms. Scheduled to open in fall 2025, this center will serve up to 1,200 students per term.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives remain top priorities at Clark College. Achievements include increased diversity in hiring and ongoing professional development initiatives. In addition, the college organizes The Northwest Regional Equity Conference, now in its fifth year. The conference plays a pivotal role in promoting equitable experiences for historically underrepresented students and employees. 

Looking ahead, reflecting on the college’s achievements, President Edwards expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and the community. As Clark College looks toward the future, she said it remains committed to student success, expanding program offerings, and strengthening community partnerships. Clark College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence in the region. 

Dr. Edwards said, “In a prior State of the College address, I drew inspiration from Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming to frame our work here at the college. In her book, the former first lady emphasizes that becoming is an ongoing journey, not a fixed destination. I share her belief that maintaining the status quo leads to stagnation, and meaningful change requires breaking out of familiar patterns. She also said that ‘it is possible to have our feet planted in reality but pointed in the direction of progress. We may live in the world as it is, but we can still work to create the world as it should be.’” 

She said, “Today, I want to recognize our ongoing journey of becoming a beacon of hope, opportunities, and transformation rooted in social justice while providing excellent and equitable education.” 

Dr. Edwards added, “This journey hasn’t been without its challenges, including the ongoing effects of a global pandemic, declines in nationwide enrollment, and two years of substantial resource reductions, all while expanding services to meet the evolving needs of our students.” 

Then people gathered around for coffee, tea, and delicious heart-shaped cookies made by students in the Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program especially for the State of the College address on Valentine’s Day. 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
View more photos from the event on our Flickr Page.

International Day organized by Clark’s International Programs was a roaring success on February 13.

A line of preschoolers from Child and Family Studies walked into Gaiser Student Center with their teachers and immediately expressed delight at the array of activities happening around the room—including drummers, a flying dragon, martial arts, and belly dancing. The children seemed eager to try everything.

Alumni shine

Three Clark alumni shared their expertise with the Clark community during the event:

• Artist Christian Barrios was on hand at the unveiling of the mural “Coming Together for Art and Peace.” He designed the mural. It was painted by Clark students, staff, and faculty during a community mural project on campus during International Education Week last November. Barrios had taken the mural back to his studio to add outlines and a black background. He finished it with a protective coat. Later the mural will be installed near the coffee shop in Joan Stout Hall.
• Author Moses Korir read aloud his new children’s book, Moses and the Impossible Piano that tells his story of growing up in a village in Kenya, encountering a piano for the first time, and then embarking on a life-changing educational journey to the United States to follow his dream of becoming a music teacher.
• Belly dancing instructor Dr. Ona Parker taught a basic belly dancing lesson with about three dozen enthusiastic students, faculty, staff, and preschool children moving their hips to the music. Dr. Parker was an international student at Clark College and later was a faculty member.

In addition, students from McClaskey Culinary Institute and the Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program prepared empanadas, falafel, salad rolls, and salted dulce le leche blonde brownies. People waited in a long line to sample the delights.

Other highlights

• A video of Clark College international students talking about their experience
• Kendo Dojo demonstration by Camas Kendo Dojo
• Chinese drummers and dragon demonstration by Oregon Chinese Coalition · Information about the Study Abroad program
• Henna tattoos by Glitter Ruby’s
• Making origami penguins
• Much more

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. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2023-24 academic year, Clark College has 57 international students. Learn more here.

In the sloping field between McLoughlin Boulevard and the softball field, the Penguin softball team gathered around Steven Clark, biology professor, and Bee Campus project manager.

First, he talked for a few minutes about the importance of native bees. He told them Clark is a certified Bee Campus that plants native wildflowers to attract native pollinators.

Because native wildflower seeds are expensive, costing about $160 per pound, Professor Clark explained the importance of scattering a handful of seeds over a wide area. Holding a sack of native wildflower seeds, he demonstrated the preferred seed-sowing technique.

Then directing the players to form a line and spread out, he walked down the line as each player grabbed a handful of seeds.

Sweeping their arms back and forth, the softball teammates sowed seeds as they walked uphill. With so many hands helping, the job was quickly completed.

The Penguin softball team was just one group of students, faculty, and staff who helped Professor Clark sow 18 pounds of seeds on about three acres in several areas around campus in mid-February. All these areas were seeded last spring, too.

As winter turns to spring and warmer weather arrives, the seeds will sprout. Wildflowers will bloom. The bees will emerge from being dormant underground and will feast on wildflower pollen.

Bee campus by the numbers:

• Acres sown with native wildflower seeds: 3
• Pounds of seeds sown: 18
• Informational Bee Signs around campus: 11

Campus Bee Gardens include:

• STEM Building
• Clark College Foundation
• Foster Hall
• Baird Administration
• Clark College sign at McLoughlin Blvd. and Fort Vancouver Way
• McLoughlin Blvd. and softball field (across from Marshall Community Center)
• And more

Map of Bee Campus gardens

Certified Bee Campus

In April 2023, Clark College earned certification as a Bee Campus affiliate, becoming the fifth college in Washington to earn that distinction. A Bee Campus USA affiliate is a college campus that includes a bee habitat.

In the spring of 2023, students, staff, visitors, and, importantly, bees, saw native flowers sprouting up in gardens across campus. These flowers and natural areas where bees can make nests and lay eggs are helping Clark establish this bee habitat. Clark College—and other Bee Campus USA affiliates—show that the built environment (such as campuses, neighborhoods, city parks, and even roadsides) can feature a thoughtful design that allows bees to thrive in shared areas.

What’s happening with the Bee Campus in 2024?

Tilling the soil: Last fall after the wildflowers had finished blooming, aggressive non-native grass overwhelmed many of the Bee Gardens. Tilling disrupts the non-native grasses, so they do not overwhelm flowers.

Planting more flower seeds: The flowers from last summer self-seeded into the soil, reducing the number of seeds that needed to be sown this spring. However, tilling the soil drove some seeds too deep into the soil to germinate, so Professor Clark ensured some extra seeds were sown.

Bee signs: Eleven informational bee signs were erected around campus last December. Now people can read about the biology of bees, where they nest, what they eat, how many species we have, and much more.

Native bees in winter: It’s unlikely to see bees on campus this winter because the bees are safe underground. Most of the adult bees that flew from flower to flower last spring and summer have died, but the eggs they laid (mostly underground) have hatched and are progressing toward adulthood. They will develop into adult bees this winter, but the new adult bees will stay underground until the flowers bloom. Although thousands of bees are on campus right now, they are dormant underground and are waiting for the flowers of spring.

Learn more at Bee Campus (clark.edu)

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Chef Earl Frederick has cooked elegant meals for discriminating diners—from a former president to Club Med movers and shakers.  

But the Clark Cuisine instructor’s roots started with humble, downhome cooking. As a boy, he learned to cook alongside his grandmother, Susie Lovely Lewis in her kitchen in small town Ellenville in upstate New York. 

Chef Earl shared his story—and his delicious food—with Clark students, faculty, and staff at the Winter Student of Color Luncheon on February 6. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs. It provides opportunities for students to be encouraged by inspiring stories, meet faculty and new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors. 

Chef Earl designed the luncheon menu to represent Black History Month—with a nod to his beloved grandmother and her specialties: fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and red velvet cupcakes. To that, he added some of his favorites, including pork loin and Jambalaya with Cajun sausage.  

The delicious meal was prepared by Clark’s Cuisine students under the watchful eye of Chef Earl, who emphasizes cooking from scratch with no shortcuts. His students smoked pork loin and made Cajun sausage.  

Cooking with grandmother 

While appreciative Clark diners savored the meal, Chef Earl shared family photos and told his story. A child of separated parents, he divided his time between the big city of Yonkers, New York, and small-town Ellenville. Family is important to Chef Earl. His grandmother had 13 siblings, so he was surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

One uncle got him interested in sports, encouraged him to play basketball, and got him to consider college. Another uncle modeled growing your own food and being sustainable.  

Because his father was a preacher, he says he grew up in the church. “I’m a preacher’s kid,” he said. “Church wasn’t just Sunday for me. It was every day—and all day on Sunday.” 

In the church kitchen, he helped his grandmother prepare meals for the congregation.  

He said, “At one point, I realized I was the only boy helping in the kitchen.” 

But he didn’t care. He liked to cook. And he was good at it. 

He shared an old photo of the church choir of his youth. He said, “All of those people never made it past sixth grade. On her deathbed, my grandmother told me to get an education. No one could take it away from me.” 

He did follow his grandmother’s advice to get an education, but his educational journey included bumps in the road and detours. 

Navigating rough patches 

When he was in high school, like many teens, he made some choices that did not please his family, particularly his beloved grandmother. Eventually, he was missing so many credits that he would not be able to graduate with his class. 

He was introduced to the local alternative school and told: “Either you don’t graduate, or you go here.” 

So, he enrolled in Ulster BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) Career & Technical Center. One of the selling points was its culinary program.  

“This place saved my life,” Chef Earl said. 

Chef Earl holds a baking and pastry diploma from Oregon Culinary Institute, a certificate in hospitality administration from University of Hawaii at Manoa, an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Warner Pacific University. He also is a certified American Culinary Federation executive chef. 

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University at age 19, his first job was working in the kitchens at Walt Disney World. Throughout his career, Chef Earl has worked in kitchens in Intel, Club Med, and Nike, and taught culinary skills to Job Corps students and The Portland Kitchen, an after-school culinary and job skills program. 

Paying it forward 

Chef Earl has volunteered his expertise to many nonprofits focused on food, including serving on the board of directors for Vancouver Farmers Market.  

In 2017, Chef Earl returned to the alternative school where he entered the pathway to become Chef Earl. He visited the culinary arts classroom, shared his expertise, and led a food preparation demonstration. It was a full-circle experience for him. He advised students to never destroy relationships they could benefit from later. Read about his visit here. 

In 2022 he was named a NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellow through the Association for Career and Technical Education. 

Chef Earl has been teaching Cuisine students at Clark College since 2016. What he enjoys the most about teaching at Clark is “engaging with the students. I also enjoy when they come back and visit and tell me how successful they are!”  

His grandmother would be proud of his achievements. 

Most memorable meal 

Although he has prepared countless delicious meals, one of the most memorable was when he was a chef at Club Med Crested Butte, a ski resort in Colorado.  

“I had the opportunity to cook for former President Jimmy Carter, then with the Carter Foundation. I made Duck à l’Orange, a classic French dish,” he said. “I still remember that day. Jimmy Carter told me it was the best he’d ever tasted!” 

Chef Earl’s words of wisdom 

• “Food is my life. Bringing people together. Breaking bread together. Community.” 
• “When I was young, I went through a time when I was getting into trouble. My grandmother said, ‘You represent my name. Don’t put any bad ju-ju out there with my name.’” 
• “On her deathbed, my grandmother told me to get an education. No one can take that away from you.” 
• “I’m a preacher’s kid. Church wasn’t just on Sunday for me.” 
• “There’s nothing you can do about the past, but you can change the future.” 
• “Never burn bridges because you never know if you need to cross them again.” 
• “Don’t just talk about it. Be about it.”  

Advice to students 

“Building relationships is important. You never know how that person can help you in the future.” 

“Be persistent. I applied for more than 150 scholarships in the days before the internet. I applied for many scholarships where I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to get it—but I got it because I was the only student who applied. I got 53 scholarships. I applied for this teaching job at Clark College three times before I was hired. Don’t give up.” 

Fun Facts about Chef Earl 

• He writes and performs spoken word poetry 
• Favorite spoken-word poet: Earl Simmons aka DMX 
• Favorite dish to make: Jamaican curried oxtail with rice and peas  
• Favorite food to eat: New York pizza or fresh pasta 
• Favorite restaurant: Cochon in New Orleans, LA 
• Go-to comfort food: Cast-iron fried chicken, braised collard greens, rice and cornbread 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish